Arkansas lost starting quarterback KJ Jefferson to the transfer portal.

This past Saturday, the senior playmaker decided he wants to play elsewhere in his last year of eligibility. Now, for the 2024 season, the Razorbacks will have to figure out who will lead the offense.

His coach offered his reaction for the first time.

“When we had our exit meeting, we knew (Jefferson would) explore other colleges… it was understood that it was what he was going to do,” said Arkansas coach Sam Pittman at his press conference via Pig Trail Nation.

During the 2023 season, Jefferson compiled 2,107 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He had a total of 7,923 yards, 67 TDs and 18 INTs in five seasons with the Razorbacks. He also owns a slew of program records in Fayetteville.

On the ground for Arkansas, Jefferson finished with 447 yards and two scores on 161 carries. For his career, the senior had 1,876 rushing yards and 21 TDs on 523 carries.

If that wasn’t enough for Pittman and his coaching staff, Arkansas also missed out on its fair share of recruits for the 2024 season, including in-state prospects, most notably to Missouri.

“It’s disappointing when you don’t get them all,” Pittman said via Pig Trail Nation. “We wanted to stay as loyal as possible to the kids in state. At the same time, we have to make decisions then worry about the ones that are here.”

The Razorbacks went 4-8 during the regular season, missing out on qualifying for a bowl game.