Arkansas football names starting quarterback for 2026

The Arkansas Razorbacks have selected KJ Jackson as their starting quarterback for the 2026 college football season, according to a Sunday announcement on social media. Jackson defeated Memphis transfer AJ Hill for the position. A third-year Razorback, Jackson participated in five games during the 2025 season, opening the final game against Missouri.

He completed 61.1% of his passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns, along with running for 52 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Jackson played in one game as a true freshman in 2024, completing all four of his pass attempts for 59 yards. Recruited as a four-star prospect in the 2024 class, he hailed from Montgomery, Alabama.

Jackson and Hill contested for the role throughout spring and fall practices. Despite being a returning player with more experience, Hill transferred from Memphis and played in two games as a freshman last season, completing 19 of his 32 passes for 223 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Arkansas begins the 2026 campaign on Saturday, September 5 against North Alabama in Razorback Stadium, commencing at 3:15 p.m. CT and broadcasting on the SEC Network.

They will then travel to Salt Lake City for a Week 2 matchup against the Utah Utes. Jackson is identified as QB1 on social media.