KJ Jefferson, the quarterback for Arkansas, acknowledged to On3 that he intends to use the NCAA transfer site.
After a disastrous season in which Arkansas finished 4-8 and Jefferson threw for a career-low 2,107 yards and eight
interceptions, 247Sports first reported on Nov. 29, shortly after Arkansas hired Bobby Petrino as offensive
coordinator.
Jefferson said in his statement, “Being captain and QB1 at the University of Arkansas has been a dream.” “Setting
those milestones and being recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Razorback history was a privilege, but
what I will treasure most are the connections and experiences I have formed with my coaches and teammates along
the journey. I can’t thank the fans enough for all of the support I’ve gotten from this wonderful state. As much as I’ve
liked representing this state and university, I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing me develop as a man and a player. I will
always be indebted to you and thankful that you took me in as one of your own.”
Despite the clear disappointment of 2023, Jefferson has emerged in the last several years as one of college football’s
elite quarterbacks. His career at Arkansas comes to an end with 7,911 throwing yards and 67 touchdowns.
Additionally, Jefferson is a strong runner whose legs can impact the offense. Before 2023, he had at least 600 yards
and six touchdowns through the air in two consecutive seasons. However, this season, he only had 447 yards and two
touchdowns through the air.
With the way college football programs now construct their rosters thanks to the transfer portal, a player with
Jefferson’s expertise should have no trouble finding a place to call home. There seems to be interest from several
SEC schools in a transfer quarterback: 247Sports reports that South Carolina, which would replace starter
quarterback Spencer Rattler in 2024 following a 5-7 year, is one possible destination. Even after signing former
Michigan State starter Payton Thorne via the transfer portal last offseason, Auburn might still improve at
quarterback after finishing a lackluster 6-6 in head coach Hugh Freeze’s debut season.
The direct relationship between Jefferson and Horned Frogs offensive coordinator Kendal Briles makes TCU at least
a team to keep an eye on. For Jefferson, the two matched at Arkansas produced far superior outcomes. Despite
having Josh Hoover and Chandler Morris on staff, Briles’ Horned Frogs offense proved to be erratic at best in 2023,
as TCU finished with a 5-7 record.
It was not long before Jefferson’s heir was identified in Arkansas. Taylen Green, a transfer from Boise State, was
actually signed by the Razorbacks through the portal before Jefferson had made his intentions known.
After making an official visit to Fayetteville on December 12, Green committed to Arkansas, and he still has several
years of eligibility left. Green was Boise State’s starting quarterback in 2022 and participated in 13 games after
redshirting as a true freshman in 2021. There isn’t a more suitable successor for Jefferson in Arkansas.
Green, who weighs 221 pounds and is 6-foot-6, even has a comparable build. As Boise State’s starting running back
for the past two seasons, he has amassed 1,022 yards and 19 touchdowns. Although he doesn’t have the best arm and
turnovers are a problem, Petrino has a proven track record of leading offenses, so Arkansas won’t have to make many
adjustments to their offensive scheme to accommodate Green’s skill set.
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