Report: Arkansas DL Landon Jackson 'leaning toward returning', opting out of NFL Draft

Arkansas DL Landon Jackson broke out in his second season in Fayetteville and third collegiate campaign overall. However, while he could capitalize on his stock now, a return to college now appears to be on the board for him.

According to Matt Zenitz, Jackson is now considering a return to Arkansas as an option. While he could strike now for the 2024 NFL Draft, a senior season with the ‘Hogs to develop more could make him an even higher selection.

The current belief is that Arkansas standout defensive lineman Landon Jackson is leaning toward returning to school for another season instead of turning pro, sources tell @247sports.

Jackson, a former LSU transfer, ranks third in the SEC with 13.5 tackles for loss and has 6.5… pic.twitter.com/sR754ZHp9c

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 1, 2023

Jackson finished this season with career-highs across the board. He posted 44 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and a pass deflection. For his career, he now has 67 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble.

In 2023, Jackson finished as the Razorbacks’ leader in sacks while also finishing sixth on the team in tackles. That includes an 11-tackle, 3.5-sack performance in a three-point loss at Alabama.

Jackson has appeared in 15 games for Arkansas after playing in five at his first stop at LSU. He didn’t see any meaningful action with the Tigers, though, as he only made appearances on special teams while in Baton Rouge for the one year.

That all came after he was a four-star prospect and Top-20 edge recruit in 2021 as a product out of Texarkana.

We’ll have to wait and see for an official announcement from Jackson regarding what’s next for his future. Still, based on this report, Arkansas might unexpectedly be getting an anchor back for their defense next fall.

Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson responds to portal reports

Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson is refuting a report stating he plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

On Wednesday, Chris Hummer of 247 Sports stated that Jefferson was “expected to enter the transfer portal”. However, the Razorbacks’ QB1 said that that’s not the case, at least not at the moment.

Jefferson took to Instagram to state his side of the story.

KJ Jefferson responds to Transfer Portal report👀 https://t.co/D6Ly5lVUrf pic.twitter.com/cQjySzqV6Y

— On3 (@On3sports) November 29, 2023

Jefferson has spent five seasons with the Razorbacks, and will have one year of eligibility remaining. In 44 games in Fayetteville, the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder completed better than 65 percent of his passes while throwing for more than 7,700 yards and rushing for another 1,800. 

There’s still a possibility that KJ Jefferson could enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. For now, though, it looks like he’s still weighing his options.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.