Arkansas football continues to reshape its coaching staff for the 2026 season, hiring Jacksonville State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Clint Trickett to serve as the Razorbacks’ new quarterbacks coach under head coach Ryan Silverfield.
Trickett arrives in Fayetteville as one of the quietly rising offensive minds in the college football coaching ranks. At just 34 years old, he brings a diverse résumé that spans multiple conferences, coaching roles, and offensive systems, experience that aligns closely with Silverfield’s vision for adaptability and innovation on offense.
Proven Production at Jacksonville State
Trickett most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Jacksonville State, where he orchestrated one of the most productive offenses in Conference USA. The Gamecocks led the league in total offense at 419 yards per game, while also establishing a dominant rushing attack that averaged more than 258 yards per contest, best in C-USA. Jacksonville State also averaged just under 30 points per game, showcasing a balanced and efficient offensive approach, similar to that of Silverfield during his time at Memphis.
His ability to marry an effective passing game with a physical ground attack made him an appealing candidate as Silverfield continued assembling his staff ahead of the 2026 season.
A Rapid Rise Through the Coaching Ranks
A former college quarterback at Florida State and West Virginia, Trickett transitioned into coaching in 2015, beginning as a quarterbacks coach at East Mississippi Community College. There, he helped develop one of the nation’s premier JUCO offenses while working directly on quarterback fundamentals, experience that was prominently featured on Netflix’s Last Chance U.
From EMCC, Trickett moved to Florida Atlantic, where he spent four seasons (2017–2020) under Lane Kiffin. He began as tight ends coach before being promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach following Kiffin’s departure to Ole Miss. That promotion further highlighted Trickett’s versatility and ability to take on expanded responsibilities. Love him or hate him, learning under Kiffin on the offensive side of the ball holds weight.
After one season leading FAU’s offense, Trickett joined Marshall as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. His impact was immediate, as the Thundering Herd’s passing attack ranked No. 14 nationally in 2021 with 3,830 yards through the air. That success led to his promotion to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2022, solidifying his reputation as a coach capable of managing high-level aerial production.
Across multiple stops, Trickett has coached nearly every offensive skill position, giving him a broad understanding of scheme, personnel usage, and game planning, a key factor in his rapid ascent.
A Familiar Name in Fayetteville
This is not the first time Trickett’s name has surfaced in Arkansas coaching discussions. He was previously considered for an on-field assistant role in 2023 under former head coach Sam Pittman, during the hiring of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. His ability to adapt schemes to available talent has long made him an intriguing fit in Fayetteville.
That adaptability appears to be a major reason Silverfield targeted Trickett for his staff. Known for his willingness to adjust on the fly and innovate rather than rely on rigid systems, Trickett mirrors Silverfield’s offensive philosophy.
The Next Step in the SEC
Now stepping into the SEC, Trickett faces his biggest challenge yet; added pressure, heightened expectations, and elite competition on a weekly basis. But his steady rise, diverse background, and proven track record of quarterback development suggest he’s well-equipped for the opportunity. Silverfield clearly thinks he's up to the challenge otherwise he would've looked elsewhere.
For Arkansas, the hire represents both a commitment to offensive growth and a bet on one of the sport’s emerging coaching talents as the Razorbacks look toward 2026 and beyond. Silverfield is making the bet on Trickett, now it's time for him to seize the opportunity.