If you’ve been watching Arkansas football lately, you’ve probably seen the kid with the big arm and the #7 jersey moving up the depth chart. KJ Jackson. People are starting to talk. A lot. But whenever a new quarterback starts taking meaningful snaps in the SEC, the first question everyone asks is the same: where is KJ Jackson from, and how did he end up in Fayetteville?
Honestly, the answer isn't some complex mystery, but it is a pretty cool story of a kid who dominated one of the most competitive high school football landscapes in the country before heading across state lines.
KJ Jackson is a native of Montgomery, Alabama.
He didn't just grow up there; he became a local legend. Before he was a Razorback, he was the guy leading the Saint James School Trojans to a state title. If you know anything about Alabama high school ball, you know it’s a meat grinder. Coming out of Montgomery as a four-star recruit is no small feat.
The Montgomery Era: Where KJ Jackson Built His Name
So, let's talk about Saint James School. That’s where the legend of KJ Jackson really took off.
A lot of people think blue-chip quarterbacks just pop out of nowhere, but Jackson’s high school career was basically a four-year highlight reel. He wasn't just "good for his size" or "athletic for the region." He was historically productive. By the time he graduated, he had thrown 130 career touchdown passes. To put that in perspective, that’s the third-most in the history of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).
Think about the quarterbacks who have come out of Alabama. It’s a long, prestigious list. Being third on that list is wild.
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In 2022, his junior year, he basically put the team on his back. He led Saint James to a 13-2 record and the 3A State Championship. He didn't just win; he dominated. In the title game alone, he threw for 351 yards and five touchdowns. He walked away with the MVP trophy, which, let's be real, was probably the easiest decision the voters had all year.
Why Montgomery Mattered
Growing up in Montgomery gave Jackson a specific kind of edge. It’s a city that breathes football. Playing at Saint James meant he was constantly under the microscope of SEC scouts. He wasn't some "diamond in the rough" found in a remote town. He was a polished, high-IQ quarterback playing against some of the best defensive talent in the South.
By his senior year in 2023, he was a consensus four-star prospect. He ended that final season with 2,951 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. He also started showing off those wheels, rushing for 665 yards and 14 scores.
The Jump to Fayetteville: Choosing the Hogs
You might wonder why a kid from the heart of Alabama—the literal backyard of Nick Saban (at the time) and Auburn—would choose to head to Northwest Arkansas.
It wasn't like he lacked options.
Jackson had offers from everywhere. Penn State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and even Missouri were all knocking on his door. But Arkansas felt different. He committed in April 2023 and never looked back.
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A big part of that draw? The chance to work with the coaching staff and the specific offensive system the Razorbacks were building. For a kid from Montgomery used to high-stakes, high-scoring games, the SEC West (now the expanded SEC) was the only stage that made sense.
What's He Doing Now?
After arriving in Fayetteville in January 2024, Jackson didn't just jump into the fire. He took a redshirt year, which is basically the smartest thing a freshman QB can do these days. He spent that time getting bigger—he’s now listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds—and learning the playbook.
But in 2025, things got interesting.
When starter Taylen Green went down with injuries or the offense stalled, Jackson started getting the call. He’s appeared in several games, including a big-time performance against the Texas Longhorns where he threw for over 200 yards and a touchdown. He even got his first career start in the season finale against Missouri.
Watching him play now, you can see the Montgomery roots. He has that "calm in the pocket" vibe that only comes from playing 50+ games of varsity football in high school. He isn't rattled by the crowd noise at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium because he’s been the "guy" since he was 15 years old.
Fast Facts: KJ Jackson at a Glance
If you're just looking for the quick hits, here is the breakdown of his journey so far:
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- Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
- High School: Saint James School
- Birthdate: January 18, 2006
- High School Legacy: 130 passing TDs (3rd all-time in Alabama)
- College Stats (2025): 441 passing yards, 3 TDs, 2 rushing TDs
- Size: 6'4", 225 lbs
Is He the Future of Arkansas Football?
That’s the million-dollar question. Every fan base is looking for the "next one," and Jackson fits the mold of a modern SEC quarterback. He can make the deep throws, but he’s also heavy enough to tuck the ball and run through a linebacker if he has to.
Bobby Petrino, who returned to Arkansas as offensive coordinator, has been vocal about Jackson's development. When a guy like Petrino—who has coached Heisman winners and NFL starters—says a kid has "it," people tend to listen.
Jackson's journey from the 3A fields of Montgomery to the bright lights of the SEC is a testament to his work ethic. He didn't just rely on his natural 6-foot-4 frame. He worked the mechanics. He studied the film.
What to Watch For Next
If you're an Arkansas fan or just a college football junkie, keep an eye on the 2026 spring camp. With a full year of SEC experience under his belt, Jackson is no longer the "freshman from Alabama." He’s a legitimate contender for the starting job.
Most people focus on the stats, but look at his eyes in the pocket. That poise? That’s Montgomery. That’s years of being the best player on the field and knowing how to handle the pressure.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the transfer portal and the Arkansas spring depth chart. If the Razorbacks don't bring in a high-profile veteran, it's a massive signal that they believe KJ Jackson is ready to be the face of the program. You can also follow his progress through the official Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics site for updated spring game stats and roster movements.