Where does Arkansas football QB competition stand entering spring game?

FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas football quarterback competition will reach an important checkpoint this weekend.The Razorbacks conclude spring camp with their annual Red-White Game on Saturday, April 25. It will be the 15th and final practice of this block of the preseason under first-year coach Ryan Silverfield.AdvertisementOffensive coordinator Tim Cramsey spoke to the local media Wednesday, April 22 and provided an update on the ongoing battle between redshirt sophomore KJ Jackson and redshirt freshman AJ Hill. Cramsey, who has been with Silverfield since 2022, said there is no "leader in the clubhouse" in the race to see who will be under center when the Hogs open the 2026 season against North Alabama on Sept. 5.1 / 31Arkansas football spring practice photos: See Razorbacks' newcomersApr 2, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Chris Marshall (6) runs after a catch during a passing drill during spring practice at the Arkansas Razorbacks practice facilities. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images"It’s a fiery competition, but they're working together, which is good," Cramsey said. "They're competing against each other, but they understand that it's for the good of the team. Neither one’s perfect, but you know, there has been improvement every single day."According to Cramsey, both quarterbacks have become better pre-snap readers of the defense. He said that Hill had an early advantage in this department after the Memphis transfer spent the 2025 season in Cramsey's system.The offensive coordinator also praised Hill's development as an athlete. At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, Hill might never be a quarterback that takes off and runs for big gains, but Cramsey likes his progress in rolling out of the pocket and providing some sort of threat with his legs.AdvertisementJackson has an edge in this department. He's a true dual-threat, and to Cramsey's eyes, the lefty is becoming a better technician from the pocket. He also has more experience after appearing in five games last season.Both quarterbacks also have things they need to improve. Cramsey demands an extreme level of consistency out of Jackson."He'll make 10 great throws and then miss one, and that's something we're working on," Cramsey said.The coordinator wants Hill to play cleaner football. The righty mixes in some occasional questionable decisions within an offense he already knows.Overall, Arkansas is pleased with both players production in spring practices. Cramsey and quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart chart every throw during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. They have Jackson and Hill both completing more than 70% of their passes.AdvertisementThe quarterbacks will be on different teams during the spring game, but there won't be a first-team offense. Silverfield and his assistants are trying to divide the teams evenly to create the most competitive environment. The official rosters are expected to be released on Thursday, April 23.Apr 2, 2026; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback AJ Hill (2) drops back to pass during spring practice at the Arkansas Razorbacks practice facilities. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn ImagesCramsey won't even call the plays for the scrimmage. He is using the day purely for evaluation, with Stewart and wide receivers coach Larry Smith taking up the play-calling duties for their respective teams.Whichever quarterback plays better inside Razorback Stadium might take the lead in the competition, but it won't be the deciding factor. Cramsey and Stewart are watching everything they do, from how they answer questions inside the football center to how they interact with their teammates in the locker room.Advertisement"It’ll be a great day for evaluation, but so is how they walk into the meeting this afternoon at 1 o'clock," Cramsey said. "That's kind of how we add pressure to that situation as much as possible."Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Where does Arkansas football QB competition stand before spring game?