FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green made an immediate statement in the 2025 college football season opener, leading the Razorbacks to a 52–7 victory over Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium. His six-touchdown performance earned him recognition as the East-West Shrine Bowl Monday Morning Quarterback, highlighting one of the top national quarterback showings in Week 1.
Green completed 24 of 31 passes for 322 yards and six touchdowns, tying the second-most in program history. He added 41 rushing yards, showcasing the dual-threat ability that defined his breakout 2024 season.
“It’s always exciting when you start the year strong, but this was a team win,” Green said. “The guys around me made plays, and we set the tone for what we want to be.”
Receiver depth stands out
Much of the early offensive success came from Arkansas’s wide receiver group. Green specifically praised O’Mega Blake and CJ Brown, two veterans expected to be focal points in 2025.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Green said. “If you see how much work they put in, but at the same time, how fast they practice — especially O’Mega and CJ. Just the way that they work every single day, they could be tired but you wouldn’t know it.”
Blake caught two touchdown passes, while Brown added another, giving Arkansas multiple vertical threats in the passing game. Their production provided balance to an offense that struggled with consistency early last season.
Record-setting opener
Green’s six touchdown passes tied Brandon Allen’s 2015 performance for the second-most in Razorbacks history. Only the program record of seven surpasses it. His 77.4 percent completion rate was the best by an Arkansas quarterback in a season opener since the team joined the SEC.
According to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, Green’s efficient start places him among the early national leaders in passing touchdowns and quarterback rating. The Arkansas football 2025 season could hinge on his ability to sustain that level of play against tougher competition.
Building on 2024 success
Green transferred from Boise State before the 2024 season and quickly became Arkansas’s offensive centerpiece. He threw for 3,154 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 602 yards and eight scores. His performance in the Liberty Bowl, where he was named MVP, set expectations for his senior campaign.
This year, he entered the season on the watch lists for the Manning Award and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, both given to top quarterbacks in college football. Head coach Sam Pittman emphasized during camp that Green’s leadership and consistency elevated the Razorbacks’ offense.
“He’s taken command of the huddle and the locker room,” Pittman said. “That’s what you want from your quarterback.”
Looking ahead
Arkansas continues its nonconference schedule before diving into SEC play, where Green will face some of the nation’s most difficult defenses. For now, the win over Alabama A&M demonstrated improved rhythm in the passing game and depth across the receiver room.
“One game doesn’t define a season,” Green said. “We’ll celebrate the win, learn from it, and move on to the next challenge.”
If Week 1 is an indication, Arkansas football may have the steady quarterback it needs to navigate the SEC football 2025 schedule. With Taylen Green directing an experienced offense, the Razorbacks have momentum to build on as conference play approaches.
Three Takeaways
• Historic debut: Taylen Green tied the second-most touchdown passes in Arkansas football history with six against Alabama A&M.
• Receiver strength: O’Mega Blake and CJ Brown highlighted the receiver depth Green credited for the Razorbacks’ offensive efficiency.
• Momentum builder: The Shrine Bowl honor adds to preseason accolades and sets the stage for Arkansas as SEC play nears.