Jefferson on the Brink of Hogs History

Going into his 3rd year running the Razorbacks’ offense, KJ Jefferson will look to cement his legacy as one of the Razorbacks’ all-time greats. Jefferson has already posted impressive career numbers, as well as several accolades. Add to that list back-to-back bowl wins in which he was named MVP. 

Jefferson is well within reach of many Arkansas school passing and rushing records. With his consistent play, this is no surprise. Jefferson already holds the top spot when it comes to completion % (min. 250 attempts) and passer rating (min. 250 attempts), making him the most efficient quarterback the Hogs have had. 

Just a reminder that KJ Jefferson has been one of the most efficient QBs in not only the SEC but college football as a whole the past two seasons.

He’s going to blossom under OC Dan Enos. https://t.co/UOnMsutvP9

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) July 24, 2023

Let’s take a look at what records are within arms reach for KJ:

Career

*Denotes rushing stats among players with min. 100 career passing attempts

In addition to career statistics, Jefferson also ranks among the Razorback greats in a handful of single-season statistics. His QBR marks of 165.2 (2022) and 164.7 (2021) rank first and second for a single-season. He also holds the 7th and 8th spots in single-season passing yards, 6th and 8th in single-season touchdowns, and 2nd and 3rd in single-season completion percentage.

Let’s see what single season records he could reach:

Single Season

*Denotes rushing stats among players with min. 100 career passing attempts

Given his already impressive career, KJ Jefferson has already stamped his name in the Razorbacks’ records books. It’s safe to say he isn’t done though. While his numbers were almost an exact mirror over the last two years, it’s worth noting that Jefferson played in 2 less games in 2022. 

Looking Ahead

Following a season that was a bit underwhelming for the Hogs, Jefferson looks hungry to lead the team to new heights. He’s already been named to the Maxwell Award Preseason watch list, given to the best player in college football, alongside fellow teammate Raheim “Rocket” Sanders. He’s also been tabbed preseason All-SEC, and has been presented as a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. 

Even more amazing has been Jefferson’s consistency from season-to-season while the offense has shifted around him. Playmakers like Treylon Burks and Matt Landers have come and gone, but the Razorbacks have revamped their offense for Jefferson’s senior year, and it looks like it has the potential to be the best he’d played with. Beyond any roster changes, the Hogs’ offense now runs under returning offensive coordinator Dan Enos, whose Razorback squad was the #1 passing offense in the country in 2015. 

KJ Jefferson has the tools to become the greatest quarterback in Hogs history. Injury may be the only thing stopping him from reaching that status.