Rhodes Jr. and Jackson return as Arkansas begins Silverfield era

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas did not wait long to receive its first boost of the Ryan Silverfield era.

Moments after the new head coach wrapped up his introductory press conference, two key contributors stepped forward with decisions that could shape the 2026 season.

Quincy Rhodes Jr. and KJ Jackson announced they will return, offering continuity as the program begins a major transition.

Their announcements came with little hesitation. Both players attended Silverfield’s introduction, and both made it clear they connected with his early message.

Sophomore receiver CJ Brown was also present, though he did not make an official decision.

For the Razorbacks, Jackson represents youth and potential at quarterback. For Rhodes, the Hogs retain their most productive pass rusher from the 2025 season.

It was a needed positive moment as Arkansas enters the offseason with questions across the roster.

Jackson said the meeting with Silverfield struck a different tone than recent years.

“The first meeting was awesome, and I heard good feedback from everybody on the team,” Jackson said.

He added that teammates visited his house after hearing Silverfield speak and told him how they liked the coach’s energy and vision.

“That was a big thing … the guys love that, and I’m so excited to get to work,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s return brings needed quarterback continuity

Jackson saw limited but important action during the 2025 season, including a strong performance when he came off the bench against Texas.

He completed 16 of 29 passes for 206 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing score. He also started the season finale, giving the Hogs a chance to see how he handled a full week of preparation.

With Silverfield taking over, Jackson’s decision to stay gives Arkansas a quarterback already familiar with SEC competition.

It also gives the new staff a developing player who has earned trust inside the locker room.

Rhodes Jr. made his announcement shortly after. He admitted he thought about the NFL but felt his connection to Silverfield mattered more.

“I was being recruited by Coach Silverfield, I want to say in 2022,” Rhodes said. “He offered me in my 11th-grade year. I kind of already knew the guy, who he was and what he stood for.”

His familiarity with Silverfield played a major part in returning.

“I love the guy, who he is … and I believe that the program is going to be a better program here within the next year.”

Rhodes gives Razorbacks leadership on defense

Rhodes delivered a breakout season in 2025. The defensive end appeared in 12 games, started 11, and totaled 44 tackles.

His 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks made him one of the Razorbacks’ top defenders and a steady presence for a unit that struggled at times.

Choosing to return instead of entering the draft adds experience to a defensive front that will need leadership during the coaching change.

His production gives the Hogs an established pass rusher around whom the new staff can build.

The decision also signals confidence in Silverfield’s long-term plan. Rhodes said he trusts the direction and believes Arkansas can make noticeable progress within a year.

With both Jackson and Rhodes returning, the Hogs enter the offseason with two foundational players in place.

For Jackson, spring practice becomes a chance to compete for the starting job, sharpen timing with receivers, and grow into a leadership role.

For Rhodes, it is another year to raise his draft profile and anchor the defensive front.

Impact on Hogs heading into Silverfield era

Arkansas enters a period of change, but securing two major returners softens the transition. Jackson offers upside at the most important position on the field.

Rhodes provides proven SEC-level production and a respected voice inside the locker room.

The Razorbacks still have roster decisions ahead, but early buy-in from key pieces suggests momentum for Silverfield as he begins shaping the program.

For a team aiming to regain stability, keeping players already invested in the culture gives the Hogs a meaningful head start.

Jackson and Rhodes represent the type of core that can give a new staff the foundation it needs.

The road ahead will involve rebuilding depth and improving consistency, but the commitment of two proven players sends a clear message: the Silverfield era begins with belief from within.

Key takeaways

• Quincy Rhodes Jr. and KJ Jackson confirmed they will return for the 2026 season as Arkansas transitions to Ryan Silverfield.

• Jackson provides quarterback continuity after showing promise late in 2025.

• Rhodes brings proven defensive production and leadership after an eight-sack season.