KJ Jefferson

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KJ Jefferson is an American college football quarterback who has played for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the UCF Knights. Born on May 20, 2001, in Sardis, Mississippi, he grew up in North Panola High School, where he put up big numbers and became a four-star recruit. He committed to the University of Arkansas and began his college career there in 2019.

Arkansas career overview:
- 2019: Jefferson redshirted after serving as a backup and made his first start against LSU.
- 2020: Served as the backup to Feleipe Franks, appearing in five games and starting once.
- 2021: Became the Razorbacks’ starter, guiding Arkansas to an 8–4 season. The team won trophy games against Texas A&M, LSU, and Missouri, and Jefferson led them to a 24–10 Outback Bowl win over Penn State, earning MVP honors. He finished the season with 2,676 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, four interceptions, and also rushed for 664 yards and six rushing touchdowns.
- 2022: Started most games again, helping Arkansas go 7–6 overall and win the Liberty Bowl against Kansas in a 55–53 triple-overtime thriller. Jefferson was the Liberty Bowl MVP, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 130 yards and two more scores.
- 2023: Passed for 2,107 yards with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, while rushing 161 times for 447 yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Razorbacks finished 4–8, and Jefferson entered the transfer portal after the season.

Transfer to UCF:
Jefferson announced he would transfer to UCF on January 1, 2024. In the 2024 season, he was benched during the October 12 game against Cincinnati and remained on the bench for the October 19 game versus Iowa State, with sophomore Jacurri Brown stepping in. Jefferson did not play again for UCF that season.

Legacy:
Jefferson left Arkansas as one of the program’s top quarterbacks, holding school records for career passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions, and boasting the highest career completion percentage at the time of his departure.