When Arkansas football hopes to announce its new starting quarterback
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football head coach Sam Pittman is excited to watch his quarterback battle unfold, but he hopes the competition doesn't drag on into the fall.
Pittman held a press conference Tuesday and said he hopes the Razorbacks have their starter under center announced by the end of the spring. Pittman said five quarterbacks on the roster — Taylen Green, Jacolby Criswell, Malachi Singleton, KJ Jackson and Austin Ledbetter — will all be vying for the QB1 responsibility.
"I think we can. With some of the things that we’re doing, 7 on 7, we’ll be able to," Pittman said about naming a starter after spring. "It’s going to be a lengthier period, more reps. We need to. We have to, to see who can throw and catch for that matter."
Pittman went on to praise the leadership capabilities of both Green and Criswell, who figure to be the top-two competitors for the position. Green transferred in this offseason from Boise State and has a leg up in the competition because of his experience as a starter, according to Pittman.
Here are some other takeaways from Pittman's press conference.
A few notable injuries for Arkansas football
Arkansas suffered a significant loss in recent days when freshman Zuri Madison tore his ACL in a scooter accident. Madison, one of two freshman newcomers along the offensive line, will be out until either the end of the season or even the spring of 2025.
More: A way-too early look at Arkansas football's depth chart heading into spring football
More: The QB1 Candidates: Arkansas football gears up for spring quarterback competition
Outside of Madison, there aren't any long-term concerns. Offensive lineman Amauri Wiggins will miss a couple practices with a cartilage trim in his knee, and tight end Ty Washington could return after spring break to catch some passes. Washington suffered a dislocated shoulder in the late stages of the 2023 season.
And perhaps the most positive note of all is that tight end Luke Hasz is fully returned from last year's broken clavicle.
Saturday practices open to the public
Details are still being ironed out for how fans can attend, but Pittman announced that Saturday practices and scrimmages this spring will be open to the public.
"We believe that we can grow the love back for Arkansas, or grow the love back for the Razorbacks by opening it up and us benefiting from it as well," Pittman said.
The head coach hopes the open practices allow some of the inexperienced position groups can gain some reps in front of fans.
Offensive line taking shape
The offensive line enters this season as the biggest question mark, based off last season's struggles. Andrew Chamblee is no longer with the program, so Patrick Kutas is the loan returnee with meaningful experience as a starter.
Pittman said Kutas will move inside this season after spending most of 2023 as the Hogs' right tackle. Transfers Fernando Carmona and Keyshawn Blackstock will play tackle, competing against the likes of Ty'Kieast Crawford and E'Marion Harris.
Pittman also reaffirmed his belief that Tennessee transfer Addison Nichols can be a starting center. Nichols primarily played guard with the Volunteers.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: When Arkansas football hopes to announce its new starting quarterback
