Three schools to watch early for Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson officially entered the transfer portal on Monday afternoon.

After almost a month of anticipation, he’s entered free agency. With five years of experience with the Razorbacks, he’s one of the most established names at his position in the sport. He’s thrown for 7,923 yards and 67 touchdowns with just 18 interceptions. The former four-star recruit in the class of 2019 has 39 career starts, touting a 20-19 overall record.

But now it’s time for Jefferson to find a new home, a place to finish out his collegiate career. While the Razorbacks have plans to move on — they recently brought in Boise State transfer Taylen Green — Jefferson is on the market.

With college football now in its dead period, the quarterback won’t be able to make any visits until Jan. 3. Talking to multiple sources on Monday afternoon, three programs have emerged as schools to watch early in his recruitment.

Miami is expected to pursue the SEC starter. The Hurricanes hosted Kansas State transfer Will Howard and Washington State transfer Cam Ward last week. Both have yet to make commitments, however, putting Mario Cristobal’s program in a tough spot. Miami has been open with both Howard and Ward, telling both they would accept a commitment at any time. KJ Jefferson will be added to the list of names to watch in Coral Gables. Miami can’t afford to not take a transfer quarterback.

Gus Malzahn and UCF are expected to be in the mix, too. The Knights went all-in on Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall, hosting him for a visit. But the three-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year chose NC State. Needing to add a quarterback in the portal, Jefferson would make sense in Orlando. Plus, he would fit Malzahn’s offensive scheme.

The one team that cannot be counted out is TCU. Jefferson’s old offensive coordinator, Kendal Briles, is now with the Horned Frogs. The Arkansas transfer worked with Briles in 2021 and 2022, two of his best seasons as a Razorback. Another wrinkle is that TCU quarterback Chandler Morris officially entered the transfer portal on Monday afternoon, opening up a spot with the Horned Frogs. While redshirt freshman Josh Hoover started seven games this year, Jefferson’s experience in the Briles’ offense could be a difference maker.