The Arkansas Razorbacks are at a critical juncture in their 2024 football season, and the question on everyone’s mind is: is it time to change quarterbacks? With mounting losses and an offense that has struggled to find consistency, the pressure on head coach Sam Pittman to make changes is building. The Razorbacks’ season has been marred by a lack of rhythm and production, particularly on offense, and much of the blame has been directed at the quarterback position. The pivotal moment of Arkansas’ recent struggles—what many are calling a “4th and 5” situation—could force the team to reassess who is leading the charge on the
Throughout the season, the Razorbacks’ offense has been underwhelming. The team has failed to put together sustained drives, and scoring in crucial moments has been elusive. While there are multiple factors contributing to these struggles—ranging from play-calling to protection issues on the offensive line—the quarterback’s performance is inevitably at the center of the discussion. KJ Jefferson, the Razorbacks’ current starting quarterback, has been the face of the team for a few seasons now. At his best, Jefferson has shown flashes of brilliance, using his size and mobility to extend plays and make big throws. However, this year has seen him struggle with accuracy, decision-making, and turnovers at key moments.
The Razorbacks are averaging under 25 points per game, and the offense’s inability to finish drives is becoming a growing concern. Against top-tier SEC defenses, Jefferson has looked flustered, and the rhythm of the passing game has been disrupted. Whether it’s missing open receivers, holding onto the ball too long, or simply not making the right reads, Jefferson’s performance has not lived up to the expectations that many had for him coming into this
When a team consistently struggles on offense, the natural question becomes whether it’s time for a change at the most important position on the field. There are compelling arguments for Arkansas to consider a switch at quarterback. A new quarterback could bring a fresh perspective and energy to the offense. Sometimes, a change can reinvigorate not only the offensive unit but the entire team. Backup quarterback Jacolby Criswell, a talented athlete with a strong arm, has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity. Criswell, a transfer from North Carolina, has shown promise in practice, and many fans are calling for him to be given a chance to prove himself in game action.
Criswell offers a different skill set than Jefferson. He has a quicker release and is known for being a more traditional pocket passer, which could benefit an offense that has struggled to establish a consistent passing game. While Criswell doesn’t have the same dual-threat ability as Jefferson, his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions could potentially solve some of the Razorbacks’ issues moving the ball through the air.
Of course, making a quarterback switch is not without its risks. Jefferson, despite his struggles, is a seasoned veteran with a deep knowledge of the offense and experience in high-pressure SEC environments. Turning the reins over to Criswell could disrupt team chemistry, and there’s no guarantee that he will immediately find success. Additionally, the Razorbacks’ offensive problems extend beyond just the quarterback position. The offensive line has been inconsistent in pass protection, and the run game has not been able to take the pressure off the quarterback, which has compounded the offensive woes.
There’s also the risk of damaging Jefferson’s confidence by benching him at this point in the season. If Criswell were to struggle, the team could find itself in an even worse position, with no clear leader at the quarterback spot. Pittman and his staff must weigh the potential benefits of making a change against the risks of further destabilizing
Head coach Sam Pittman has remained steadfast in his support of Jefferson, but his patience may be running thin. In recent press conferences, Pittman has acknowledged the offense’s struggles but has stopped short of indicating a quarterback change is imminent. However, his comments have also hinted that all options are on the table. “We’re evaluating every position, not just quarterback,” Pittman said after the team’s latest loss. “We’re going to do what’s best for the team moving forward.”
These remarks suggest that the coaching staff is open to making changes if they believe it will help the team win games. With Arkansas staring down a tough SEC schedule, including matchups against teams like Alabama and Ole Miss, the Razorbacks cannot afford many more missteps. A change at quarterback could be the spark the team needs to get back on track.
The Razorbacks find themselves in a difficult position, and the question of whether to change quarterbacks is one that the coaching staff cannot take lightly. KJ Jefferson has been a leader for this team, but his recent struggles have opened the door to the possibility of Jacolby Criswell stepping in. Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether Sam Pittman believes Criswell can provide the offense with the boost it needs or if Jefferson is still the best option to lead the team through this challenging stretch of the season.
As the Razorbacks face their “4th and 5” moment, the outcome of the next few games could determine the fate of the season—and who is under center when the final whistle blows.