Jackson named Arkansas starting quarterback for opener

Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield announced Sunday that KJ Jackson will start at quarterback when the Razorbacks open the season Sept. 5 against North Alabama. Jackson beat out Memphis transfer AJ Hill for the job.

"Excited about him and his role as QB1 with the future of our program," Silverfield said. "He's done an excellent job. So has AJ Hill, and all of our quarterbacks, leading up to today."

Jackson has six career appearances. In his lone start last season, against Missouri, he completed 11 of 17 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in a 31-17 loss. For the season, he finished 33-of-54 passing for 441 yards and three touchdowns.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but a very confident one we made as a staff," Silverfield said. "It wasn't because of lack of talent by the others. It was a great mix of guys competing for that starting role."

After the opener against North Alabama, Arkansas will face No. 21 Utah on Sept. 12 before opening SEC play against No. 3 Georgia on Sept. 19. Jackson is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama, who completed all four passes he attempted in 2024, his first season.