Football
The evolution of Taylen Green: Arkansas’ NFL-bound quarterback
When Taylen Green transferred from Boise State to Arkansas in 2024, few could have predicted his meteoric rise in NFL draft conversations.
Now, the 6-foot-6, 224-pound senior quarterback is gaining attention as a notable prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, showcasing the kind of dual-threat capability that has become increasingly valuable at the professional level.
Green’s 2024 campaign spoke volumes about his potential. Despite battling a knee injury suffered against Tennessee in Week 6, he completed 60.4% of his passes for 3,154 yards, adding 15 touchdowns through the air.
His ground game remained equally impressive, accumulating 602 yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 156 carries.
The Manning Passing Academy took notice, extending an invitation for Green to serve as a counselor at their prestigious 2025 event.
This opportunity places him alongside college football’s elite quarterbacks and provides invaluable mentorship from the Manning family.
“My confidence level is higher because it’s my second year in the offense,” Green said during spring drills. “Just where I was last year, my eyes were like, ‘Oh,’ with the offense and getting on the same page with Petrino, and the different plays in the run game and different responsibilities I had to do.”
Under Petrino’s guidance, Arkansas’s offense has experienced a renaissance, with Green at the helm.
The offensive coordinator’s track record with quarterback development has proven crucial for Green’s evolution.
During their exit meeting, Petrino challenged Green, saying, “you can do a lot better.”
This mentorship has particular significance given Petrino’s history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. His ability to maximize quarterback potential has caught the attention of NFL scouts, who see Green as a raw talent with significant upside.
Green’s potential was on full display during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, where he earned MVP honors after generating 422 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in Arkansas’s 39-26 victory over Texas Tech. This performance showed his ability to take over games and deliver in crucial moments.
NFL scouts have identified specific areas where Green needs to refine his game.
His throwing motion requires some adjustment, and consistency in pocket rhythm remains a work in progress. In 2024, he took 30 sacks resulting in 220 yards lost, highlighting the need for improved pocket awareness and decision-making.
According to recent scouting evaluations, Green possesses “first-round potential” for the 2026 draft, contingent upon his continued development. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent presents an intriguing package for NFL teams.
Green joins an impressive list of SEC quarterbacks drawing NFL attention, including Texas’s Arch Manning, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
This conference competition provides weekly opportunities to showcase his talents against elite defenses.
“Just being really intentional and really urgent in what I do,” Green has said about his approach to improvement. “Every single play and every single rep that I have, whether it’s good or bad, learning from it, and taking diligent notes in the film room.”
With another full season under Petrino’s system and the valuable experience gained at the Manning Passing Academy, Green’s trajectory suggests continued growth.
