KJ Jefferson recalls moment he realized the size of Arkansas-Texas rivalry

If you ask some old-school Arkansas fans, there is no other answer when asked who is the program’s biggest rival. Texas has a long history with the Razorbacks, with the series dating all the way back to 1894 and being played as recently as last season. Quarterback KJ Jefferson got his first taste of the rivalry last year, something he did not realize was such a big deal.

To be fair to Jefferson, Arkansas and Texas last met in the 2014 Texas Bowl before this past year’s matchup. He said when he saw Dallas Cowboys general manager/owner and former Razorback Jerry Jones walk onto the field last September, he knew it was a big-time matchup.

“Starting off, I didn’t know the rivalry was that big,” Jefferson said. “I’m from Mississippi so I didn’t really even know. I knew it was really big when I was Jerry Jones walk onto the field so I was like ‘this is a big deal.’ Seeing him walk down onto the field, it’s like ‘okay, we really got to play ball.'”

KJ Jefferson reflects on win over Texas

Jefferson reflected on the game, saying the win was big time for the Arkansas program. Despite getting off to a slow start, the Razorbacks were able to complete their win in the second half and begin the party in Fayeteville.

“I remember the game. The teams just stayed together, no matter what. We started off kind of slow, put in some adverse situations but the team didn’t divide. We didn’t point fingers or anything. Just came together and built confidence in each other. Winning that game showed Arkansas can play with the best of the best.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel

Sam Pittman wants Arkansas to play Texas every year

Depending on how much longer he is at Arkansas, Jefferson may get another shot at Texas. His head coach, Sam Pittman, said he would be in favor of playing the old Southwest Conference foe on a yearly basis, having them as a permanent rival.

“It was fun playing Texas last year,” Pittman said. “Obviously, it was one year. We had a nice game against them, have a lot of respect for Coach Sark and the Longhorns. Oklahoma would be another rival that would be pretty cool. To be honest with you, we could play Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri — that would be really neat.

“I’m not a schedule maker, I’m just a football coach but to answer your question, that would be a really cool deal going up into the state of Oklahoma.”

Getting Texas to Northwest Arkansas every other year would bring an old enemy back into town but also a fresh breath of air. A huge rivalry that the Razorback players are coming to a realization means a lot.