Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M

Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M

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Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M
Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M
Sep 26, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Braylen Russell (0) pushes off of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes linebacker Dax Collins (9) during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandat… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Kate Pearson Halyburton, Editor

Arkansas has momentum. Now it has to prove that momentum can travel. The Razorbacks’ 34-6 win over Tulsa gave Ryan Silverfield’s team something it had lacked through the first three weeks: clarity. KJ Jackson looked settled at quarterback. Chris Marshall emerged as an elite receiving option. The defense controlled the line of scrimmage and held Tulsa to 65 rushing yards.

Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M

Hostile Environment

Texas A&M is a different test. Arkansas travels to College Station on Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff against the No. 23 Aggies. Both teams are 2-2. Arkansas is 0-1 in SEC play, while Texas A&M is 0-2 after losses to Kentucky and LSU.

Kyle Field, a significant point spread, and an opponent looking to correct its own problems make this Arkansas’ toughest environment of the season. Here is the Razorback Report Card for Texas A&M.

Can KJ Jackson Handle a Hostile Road Setting?

Pregame Grade: B

Passing standard: Complete at least 60% of his passes, avoid multiple turnovers, and keep Arkansas within one score entering the fourth quarter.

Jackson earned the right to be Arkansas’ unquestioned starter against Tulsa. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 309 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while adding two rushing touchdowns.

Now Arkansas needs him to show the same poise in College Station. Texas A&M will try to create confusion before the snap, pressure Jackson on passing downs, and use the crowd to disrupt Arkansas’ communication. The Razorbacks cannot afford false starts, wasted timeouts, or long-yardage situations that allow the Aggies’ defense to attack.

Jackson does not need another 300-yard performance. Arkansas needs him to protect the football, make the easy throws, and create enough plays with his legs to keep the chains moving.

Razorback Report Card: Texas A&M
Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Can Arkansas Build a Functional Run Game?

Pre-game Grade: C-minus

Passing standard: At least 125 rushing yards and 3.8 yards per carry.

Arkansas ran for 132 yards against Tulsa, but it took 43 attempts to reach that number. The 3.1-yard average was progress, not a solution.

The Razorbacks need better early-down production from Sutton Smith, Braylen Russell, and Cam Settles. More importantly, they need the offensive line to move the chains without penalties or negative plays.

Arkansas does not need to out-rush Texas A&M. It needs to be credible enough on the ground that the Aggies cannot load coverage toward Marshall and force Jackson to carry every possession.

If Arkansas again averages around 3 yards per carry, the offense will face too many third-and-long situations in one of college football’s loudest venues.

Can Arkansas Contain Marcel Reed?

Pre-game Grade: C

Passing standard: Hold Reed below 225 passing yards, fewer than 50 rushing yards, and force one turnover.
Reed has had an uneven season, throwing for 738 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. He completed only 10 of 26 passes for 106 yards in Texas A&M’s loss to LSU. That does not make him harmless.
Arkansas should expect the Aggies to simplify Reed’s workload with quick throws, play-action, and designed movement. The Razorbacks must pressure him without losing containment or letting him escape outside the pocket. The objective is to put Reed into third-and-long and make him win from the pocket. Arkansas cannot allow easy rushing success to give him comfortable passing situations.

Can Arkansas Stop Rueben Owens II?

Pre-game Grade: B-minus

Passing standard: Hold Owens below 100 rushing yards and prevent a run of 20 yards or more.

Owens is the Aggies’ most dependable offensive player. He has 248 rushing yards on 56 carries and gives Texas A&M the balance it needs to protect Reed. Arkansas’ defense must make Owens work for every yard. The defensive front has to hold its gaps. The linebackers must avoid overpursuit. The secondary must finish tackles.

If Owens keeps Texas A&M ahead of the chains, the Aggies can control the clock and make Reed’s job manageable. If Arkansas contains him, it can turn the game into a passing challenge for an inconsistent quarterback.

Can Arkansas Finish Drives?

Pre-game Grade: C

Passing standard: Score touchdowns on at least two-thirds of red-zone trips.

Arkansas reached the red zone seven times against Tulsa but scored touchdowns on only three. Max Gilbert’s four field goals were valuable, but Arkansas cannot repeatedly settle for three points at Kyle Field.

The Razorbacks need to become more physical near the goal line and more efficient in short-yardage situations. Jackson’s mobility can be a weapon, but Arkansas must avoid making its quarterback run into predictable defensive fronts.

Final Grade: B-minus

Arkansas has enough to compete. Jackson and Marshall can make explosive plays. The defense can limit the run if it stays disciplined. The Razorbacks have shown they can win cleanly when they avoid mistakes.

But they must run the ball more efficiently, finish drives, and handle a hostile environment. The Tulsa win was progress. Texas A&M will reveal whether it was a foundation.

Main Photo: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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