When it comes to football, there's no position more polarizing than quarterback. It's virtually the only position manned by the same player every single snap of the game. The QB is typically a central leader on the team and is arguably the most recognizable position, even to those who aren't sports fans.
Fans either love the QB or hate him, with few indifferent. Arkansas fans have been a shining example of that QB love/hate relationship, going as far as setting one's car on fire. And of course, it's no different with current play-caller Taylen Green, but how much is warranted? Pro Football Focus (PFF) has chimed in on the situation, naming him one of ten QBs to watch heading into the 2026 NFL draft.
Pro Football Focus names Taylen Green as one of the quarterbacks to watch for the 2026 draft
In PFF's article, they name Green alongside nine QBs who have great potential for the next year's draft, including big names like Arch Manning from Texas, Cade Klubnik at Clemson, Penn State's Drew Allar, and Garrett Nussmeier at LSU. His biggest selling point for PFF was "dramatically improved" performance from the pocket.
At Boise State, Green's passing grade was a measly 60.2 in 2023, according to the in-depth sports analytics company. In only one season with offensive coordinator/QB coach Bobby Petrino, the fifth-year senior managed to raise it to 79.2, which is well above average.
It wasn't just his improved passing that impressed the folks at PFF. College Football Analyst Max Chadwick highlights his outstanding physical abilities as well. "Green is among the most physically gifted quarterbacks in college football at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds with outstanding mobility and arm talent," wrote Chadwick. "His 22 big-time throws in 2024 were tied for the ninth most in the Power Four, and his 453 rushing yards after contact were the fifth most."
Green currently owns the seventh-best single-season passing performance in Arkansas history. His 3,154 yards through the air is nestled between Tyler Wilson's 3,387 yards from 2012 and KJ Jefferson's 2,676 in 2021. His performances against Mississippi State, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State showed Hog fans flashes of greatness, especially with his legs.
All 6️⃣ of Taylen Green's touchdowns vs. Mississippi State 🔥😮💨@RazorbackFB | @taylengreen17 pic.twitter.com/GDk29z6AFW
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 26, 2024
But there wouldn't be anything polarizing if was all sunshine and rainbows. Green led the team in fumbles, putting the ball on the ground 12 times and losing five. A couple were hard to pin on him, like the game-sealing striped sack against Texas A&M. But Green was careless at times, especially as a passer.
Chadwick alludes to some of Green's questionable decision-making made in 2024. However, he believes Green could make some NFL team's priority if he can sure up some of his mistakes. "If [Green] can avoid some of the head-scratching mistakes that still plague his tape (17 turnover-worthy plays in 2024)," Chadwick wrote, "he can become a potential first-round prospect."
He won't have to wait long for a litmus test. The Hogs will play Ole Miss, Memphis, and Notre Dame in the first five games, and only the Fighting Irish are coming to Fayetteville.