SEC Football: Quarterback power rankings

SEC Football Quarterback Power Rankings:
No. 7 Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson

It feels strange to put KJ Jefferson so low on a list like this one. The 5th-year senior quarterback fits Arkansas football perfectly, and he’s a very good football player. However, in 2023, he hasn’t been his best self. This especially has been true during the Razorbacks’ three-game losing streak to BYU, LSU, and Texas A&M.

During the skid, Jefferson has four interceptions to 5 total scores, and he has taken 15 sacks. He’s only averaging 25 yards on less than two yards per rush this season, big drop offs from his career numbers. In the Hogs’ game against A&M, Jefferson’s coaches seemed to lose faith in their starter, only allowing him to throw the ball 17 times in a game in which they trailed most of the afternoon.

For the most part, Jefferson has still been a good quarterback this season. He is averaging almost 300 yards of offense and 2.5 touchdowns per game, totals that are good enough to win most games. Those numbers plus his past production give him the benefit of the doubt for most who follow college football.

However, his worst moments have come at inopportune times, and he’s been a little careless with the football. Jefferson had a pick-6 against A&M (1 of 4 interceptions this season), and he has five fumbles through five games.

Based on his previous production, Jefferson seems like a candidate to take his good play and turn it around into great play. However, his offensive line is struggling, and running back Rocket Sanders has been banged up for much of this year. The lion’s share of the load might be carried on #1’s back.