Hogs evaluate Green, Jackson as Missouri matchup nears

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ search for stability this season has come down to one more choice at the most important position on the field.

With the regular-season finale against Missouri approaching, interim coach Bobby Petrino is deciding whether to turn the offense back to veteran starter Taylen Green or ride with redshirt freshman KJ Jackson after his promising finish at Texas.

It is a decision that touches more than one game.

It speaks to how the Razorbacks want to close a difficult season and how they want to position themselves beyond it. Few situations on this roster have defined the year more than the long grind at quarterback.

The mix of growing pains, injuries, and inconsistency has shaped the season’s nine-game losing streak. Now Arkansas must choose between experience and momentum.

Green has started all 11 games this fall. He was again the starter at Texas before leaving the matchup late in the third quarter with a hamstring issue after an interception. Jackson stepped in and gave Arkansas one of its sharper stretches of quarterback play this month, finishing 16 of 29 for 206 yards with a touchdown through the air and another on the ground.

His entrance brought life to an offense searching for rhythm.

More importantly, it showed he was prepared for the moment. Jackson has spent months learning the offense behind Green, and he finally had the extended chance to run it. Even in a loss, his calm and command did not go unnoticed.

Petrino kept things simple after the game. The staff will watch practice. They will evaluate health. Green will need to show he can move without issue, and Jackson will need to show the same poise he displayed in Austin.

“We’ve got to play it out in practice and make sure everybody’s in good shape,” Petrino said. “We probably won’t even announce it. We’ll just work it and see who’s ready to go.”

Left tackle Fernando Carmona might have said what many were thinking. Jackson earned respect. KJ ran the huddle with confidence. He pushed tempo and just acted like a quarterback who had waited long enough.

“He played a great game,” Carmona said. “He was yelling at us to get lined up on the ball, and he was leading us. I told him after the game, ‘Dude, I’m really proud of you.’”

Carmona made it clear that this is not a locker room divided. Green and Jackson have built trust with teammates all year.

But the moment Jackson stepped in and handled the pressure gave Arkansas something to think about.

Green’s experience still matters

Even with Jackson’s rise, Green’s résumé carries weight.

The redshirt senior has started 24 straight games and has been steady enough to give Arkansas a chance in several tight moments this season. His mobility, size, and leadership remain valuable traits.

If healthy, he gives the Razorbacks someone who has seen nearly every defensive look in the league.

Saturday is also senior day in Fayetteville, which adds emotion to whatever call the staff makes.

If Green does not start, he could watch his final game at Razorback Stadium from the sideline. That is not lost on anyone within the program.

Jackson shows a glimpse of the future

Jackson, though, represents where the Razorbacks could be headed. A former four-star recruit, he has the kind of arm strength and composure that coaches often want to develop early.

His performance against Texas was clean and efficient. He made quick reads. He extended plays without unnecessary risks.

And he did it in one of the season’s toughest road environments.

Whether that is enough to start against Missouri is unclear.

Arkansas is treating this as a week-long competition. But Jackson showed the traits of a quarterback who could lead the program into a new phase.

Decision reflects bigger questions for Arkansas

The Razorbacks are closing a season filled with challenges, but the quarterback decision offers a chance to set a tone.

The staff knows the record cannot be fully repaired. Nine straight losses have seen to that. But the finale can still provide direction.

Choosing Green sends Arkansas into the offseason with its veteran at the helm one final time.

Choosing Jackson signals that the staff wants a longer look at its future. Neither path is wrong. Both come with clear logic.

The staff will install a game plan that works for either quarterback. Petrino said as much.

There is no dramatic change in scheme depending on who runs the offense.

What matters more is which quarterback gives the Razorbacks the best chance to finish the season with confidence.

Arkansas has seen strengths in both players. Green has extended plays with his legs and provided leadership.

Jackson has flashed anticipation and timing that suggest long-term growth.

The decision will come down to rhythm, health, and which quarterback can manage the game against a Missouri defense that has been steady throughout the year.

For Arkansas, the final week is not just another chapter in a difficult season.

It is a small opportunity to reset the direction of the program. And like most resets, it starts under center.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas is deciding between Taylen Green’s experience and KJ Jackson’s momentum after his strong showing at Texas.

• The staff will base the call on health and practice performance during the week.

• Jackson’s emergence gives Arkansas a glimpse of its long-term possibilities at quarterback.