FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As the college football landscape continues to spin with portal madness, Florida State transfer quarterback Trever Jackson wasted no time making headlines. Just hours after news broke of Nico Iamaleava’s surprise departure from the University of Arkansas, Jackson reportedly scheduled an official visit to Fayetteville—a move that could reshape the Razorbacks’ quarterback room overnight.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Jackson, a redshirt freshman with a cannon arm and high football IQ, had been monitoring Arkansas for weeks. His decision to enter the transfer portal from FSU shocked some in Tallahassee, especially after a spring showing that turned heads. But with Jordan Travis’s eligibility extended due to a medical waiver and incoming five-star phenom David Knight commanding first-team reps, Jackson saw the writing on the wall.
Now, he’s looking for a program where he can not only compete but lead.
Arkansas, reeling from the unexpected exit of Iamaleava—who cited “personal reasons” and reportedly has his eyes on a return to the West Coast—is suddenly in need of a dynamic signal-caller. Head coach Sam Pittman, whose future hinges on a successful season, isn’t wasting time. Jackson’s visit was confirmed less than 24 hours after the portal opened.
“He’s got that it-factor,” said a source within the Arkansas program. “Trever has the mobility, the arm strength, and the mental toughness. He’s a leader. He checks all the boxes.”
Jackson, a former four-star recruit out of Orlando, Florida, brings a blend of athleticism and poise. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he’s elusive in the pocket and dangerous on the move. His limited snaps at FSU—mostly in mop-up duty—don’t reflect his true potential, though insiders say his practice reps consistently rivaled the starters.
His quick interest in Arkansas wasn’t coincidental. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, back for another stint in Fayetteville, is known for maximizing quarterback talent. With Petrino calling the plays and a loaded receiving corps anchored by sophomore standout Keon Coleman, Jackson sees opportunity.
“This isn’t just a visit,” one insider noted. “It’s a chess move. Trever’s camp knows Arkansas is a quarterback away from making real noise in the SEC.”
The visit, scheduled for this weekend, will include meetings with coaches, film sessions, and a private walkthrough of the Razorbacks’ facilities. But most importantly, it will give Jackson a chance to connect with players and evaluate the team’s chemistry—something he values deeply.
While nothing is official yet, the buzz is undeniable. Arkansas fans, reeling from Iamaleava’s abrupt exit, now have a new name to rally behind. And if all goes well during this visit, Trever Jackson might just be the next man up under center in Fayetteville.
Whether he commits immediately or explores other programs remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the Razorbacks are firmly in the hunt.
