Key Players to look for when Texas plays Arkansas

As Texas gets ready to rekindle its rivalry with Arkansas, they’ll face a lineup of Razorbacks with serious skill and high-impact play potential.

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Here’s a closer look at the key Arkansas players Texas needs to prepare for:

• QB Taylen Green (6’6”, 235 lbs): Green is a physically imposing quarterback with a playing style reminiscent of Vince Young. He’s a dual-threat who can shred defenses with his legs or his arm. At his size, he can plow through arm tackles, make sharp cuts, and evade defenders, making him dangerous in open space. Green also has a powerful arm and can hit deep targets, stretching the defense. However, he’s inconsistent, so Texas needs to keep pressure on him to force mistakes. When Green is on his game, he’s a force, but he’s also prone to highs and lows—something Texas can capitalize on with consistent pressure and tight coverage.

Stats: 161-263, 61.2%, 2,214 yards, 11 TD, 7 INT, 8.4 YPA / 105 rushing attempts, 411 yards, 3.9 average, 5 TD

• RB Ja’Quinden Jackson (6’2”, 220 lbs): A former Texas recruit who initially came in as a quarterback, Jackson found his footing at running back, where his natural athleticism and shiftiness shine. He’s a powerful runner with breakaway speed, capable of hitting holes hard and accelerating past defenders in the open field. Jackson is also a patient runner who gets better as the game progresses, wearing down defenses with his physical style. The biggest question mark is his health; if he’s at full strength, Arkansas will likely give him a heavy workload. Texas will need disciplined gap control and strong tackling to contain Jackson, as he can make cutbacks and break tackles if given space.

Stats: 104 attempts, 592 yards, 5.7 YPC, 10 TD / 11 receptions, 125 yards, 11.4 average

• RB Braylen Russell (6’1”, 255 lbs): Russell is a bruising back with a powerful build, often compared to Jerome Bettis. He’s deceptively agile for his size, with a quick first step and the ability to make subtle shifts in direction that allow him to break free for long runs. Russell is especially dangerous when he gains momentum; if he’s allowed to build up speed, he can plow through defenders with ease. Texas will need to hit him early and prevent him from building steam, as his size and power make him challenging to bring down once he’s in motion. If Arkansas establishes the run with both Jackson and Russell, Texas could be in for a long day on defense.

Stats: 47 attempts, 304 yards, 6.5 YPC, 2 TD / 3 receptions, 18 yards, 6.0 average

• WR Andrew Armstrong (6’5”, 215 lbs): Armstrong is Arkansas’ big-bodied receiver and primary downfield threat. With his height and athleticism, he’s a matchup nightmare who can out-jump defenders for contested catches and also possesses the speed to beat coverage deep. His background as a basketball player gives him exceptional body control and positioning skills, making him particularly effective on 50-50 balls. Armstrong has the ability to create separation and take advantage of mismatches, so Texas will need to stay tight on him to prevent big plays in the passing game.

Stats: 55 receptions, 857 yards, 15.6 average, 1 TD

• Edge Landon Jackson (6’7”, 275 lbs): Jackson is a relentless edge rusher with an impressive frame who plays with a nonstop motor. As the older brother of Texas 2025 commit Lance Jackson, he’s known for his tenacity and work ethic, chasing down plays through the whistle. Jackson’s combination of power, quickness, and technical skill makes him a threat on every snap, and he’s capable of disrupting both the pass and run game. His matchup against Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks—who is projected to be a future first-round pick—will be a must-watch. With Jackson’s NFL potential, this duel could set the tone for both the Texas offensive line and the Arkansas pass rush.

Stats: 20 solo, 15 assist, 35 total, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 tipped, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

• DB TJ Metcalf (6’1”, 200 lbs): Arkansas’ standout in the secondary, Metcalf is an instinctive defensive back with a knack for making plays on the ball. He’s racked up three interceptions, a forced fumble, and five pass breakups so far, showcasing his awareness and quick reactions. Metcalf is especially active when the ball is in the air, and his physicality allows him to challenge receivers effectively. Quinn Ewers will need to be cautious throwing in his direction, as Metcalf is capable of capitalizing on errant passes and turning them into big plays for the Arkansas defense.

Stats: 23 solo, 22 assist, 45 total, 3 INT, 4 PBU

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Containing this group of playmakers will be crucial if Texas hopes to come out on top in this highly anticipated rivalry game. Each of these players brings unique strengths that Texas will need to neutralize with disciplined, high-intensity play.