Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson is leaving the team, and the University of Central Florida has emerged as the front-runner for his services.
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NEWS: UCF has emerged as the team to watch for the Arkansas transfer QB KJ Jefferson, @PeteNakos_ reports.
Intel: https://t.co/t4Z9XkM4DI pic.twitter.com/n8ctOcyNRB
— On3 (@On3sports) December 27, 2023
This report comes shortly after quarterback Taylen Green, formerly of Boise State, committed to the Razorbacks.
"I see KJ Jefferson trending to UCF right now... Not ready to put a crystal ball in it just yet, but I see that KJ's trending to be a Knight," said Pete Nakos of On3.
“I see KJ Jefferson trending to #UCF right now”@PeteNakos_ on the #Knights seemingly leading the pack as of now for Jefferson.
What do we think #Knights fans👀 pic.twitter.com/pvej3w1CKm
— Sean Green (@SeanmrGreen) December 27, 2023
"UCF has emerged as the team to watch for the Arkansas transfer quarterback," Nakos added. "With five years of experience in the SEC, Jefferson would be a strong fit to lead the Knights in the Big 12. Gus Malzahn would be able to get the quarterback he's been working to find this transfer portal cycle, too."
This past season, Jefferson threw for 2,107 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, adding 447 rushing yards and two scores.
The Razorbacks went just 4-8, though, and numerous changes have happened in the program, including Bobby Petrino being named offensive coordinator.
UCF went 6-6 this past season, which was their first year in the Big 12. Now they'll see Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado and Utah enter as Texas and Oklahoma leave.
Jefferson had been with Arkansas since 2019. In that time, he attempted 966 passes and completed 625 of them; he threw for 7,923 yards, 67 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, and had 2,477 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
He would replace UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who transferred to the school in January 2022. Plumlee posted 2,300 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions this past season while dealing with an injury.
UCF lost to Georgia Tech 30-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday.
