In a season that offered little stability for Arkansas, the Razorbacks’ final game provided one more unexpected twist. After spending the week saying he typically avoids rotating quarterbacks, interim head coach Bobby Petrino opened Saturday’s season finale against Missouri by doing exactly that.
The decision wasn’t reactive, nor was it a result of what happened on the field. It was planned.
Missouri (8–4, 4–4 SEC) closed the day by scoring the final 17 points in a 31–17 win over Arkansas (2–10, 0–8), but the biggest storyline from the Razorbacks’ sideline was the two-quarterback approach: freshman KJ Jackson earned the start, yet veteran Taylen Green saw the majority of the drives.
After the game, Petrino explained the reasoning behind the uncharacteristic rotation; a choice rooted more in loyalty, respect, and evaluation than strategy.
A Decision Made Well Before Kickoff
Petrino made it clear that both quarterbacks had earned the right to play.
"“They both did a really nice job in practice,” he said. “I felt like KJ earned the right to start. I feel like Taylen put a whole lot into this program and competed extremely hard. Didn’t get a whole lot of help at times. I felt like he deserved to finish playing in the stadium.”"Bobby Petrino
Jackson needed reps, meaningful ones. With the likelihood of offseason roster movement and a new coaching staff coming soon, Petrino wanted to ensure Jackson had enough tape for his own future, whether that meant competing in Fayetteville or showcasing himself elsewhere.
Green, meanwhile, is a senior who transferred from Boise State and earned immediate respect inside the locker room. Petrino wanted him to have the chance to finish his career on the field and in front of the home crowd.
It was not about trying to spark the offense. It was about honoring effort.
How the Two Quarterbacks Performed
Jackson made the most of his early opportunity, completing 11 of 17 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Green’s day was less efficient, 6 of 13 for 59 yards, plus eight carries for four yards. Offensively, the Razorbacks unraveled in the second half, getting shut out. Petrino mentioned part of the issue was the lack of protection from the offensive line rather than the men under center.
“Our inability to protect the quarterback was the critical factor,” he said.
Green ends his college career with a 9–15 record as Arkansas’ starter, a player defined by physical talent and competitive fire but slowed by turnovers and inconsistency. Yet inside the locker room, he never lost the respect of his teammates.
A Locker Room That Never Divided
If the situation created tension between the quarterbacks, it didn’t show.
"“You know, it being (Green's) senior night and him not flinching, even though he didn't start, and just going out there and just being the leader he always is,” offensive lineman Fernando Carmona said. “And then KJ going out there, making the plays that he did. They both did amazing, and I'm just really proud of both of them, just their growth that they've made throughout this year.""Offensive lineman Fernando Carmona
Their attitudes reflected a broader truth about the 2025 Razorbacks: despite a brutal season, they never fractured from within. This was the main takeaway in a down year in the win-loss column. A true team that played with and for each other.
A Tight-Knit Team Through a Difficult Year
Arkansas’ 2–10 finish won’t be remembered fondly, but the team’s unity might be. There were no public implosions, no sideline meltdowns, no finger-pointing from players or coaches. Even in the final game, with nothing left on the line but pride, the Hogs played for each other. And Petrino noticed.
This quarterback rotation, odd for him, but fitting for the moment, was a small reflection of a larger culture he worked to reinforce in his brief return: respect for the players, recognition of their effort, and commitment to finishing the season together.
KJ Jackson got valuable reps. Taylen Green got the senior night he deserved. And the locker room watched two quarterbacks support each other rather than compete against each other. In a year full of losses, that unity may have been one of Arkansas’ few true wins.