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Taylen Green Leaves Texas Game With Hamstring Injury Amid Arkansas’s Ninth Straight Loss
When Taylen Green limped off the field at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium with 5:42 left in the third quarter, it wasn’t just another play gone wrong—it was the latest gut-punch in a season that’s unraveled completely for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The injury, a strained hamstring suffered immediately after a baffling interception, came during a 52-37 drubbing by the Texas Longhorns on November 23, 2025, and effectively ended Green’s night—and any lingering hope Arkansas had of slowing down Texas’s explosive offense.
How It All Unfolded
It started with a third-and-2 at Arkansas’s own 43-yard line. Green faked a handoff to Mike Washington, then tried to scramble. But instead of tucking the ball, he flipped it upward—right into the arms of Texas cornerback Jelani McDonald. The crowd gasped. ESPN’s Joe Tessitore blurted, “What is he doing?” On the sideline, Green immediately clutched his right hamstring, grimacing as he hopped to the bench. Sideline reporter Katie George confirmed the severity: “He’s been grabbing both his hamstrings, stretching them out… clearly in pain.” Trainers rushed over, but Green didn’t return. Backup KJ Jackson, a redshirt freshman with zero career starts, took over.The Bigger Picture: A Season in Freefall
This wasn’t just a bad loss. It was Arkansas’s ninth straight defeat—six of them by six points or fewer. The Razorbacks (2-9, 0-7 SEC) had been competitive in nearly every game this season, but they kept collapsing at critical moments. Against Texas, they led 24-20 at halftime, thanks to a 12-yard TD run by Green himself. But that interception on the opening drive of the second half? It led directly to a Texas touchdown, and the floodgates opened. The Longhorns scored 32 unanswered points after halftime. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Arch Manning turned in a historic performance: 389 passing yards, six total touchdowns—including one rushing and one receiving. He became the first Texas QB ever to score in all three ways in a single game. “We’re playing good football,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “The best way we can impress anybody is going and winning next Friday night.” That next game? A showdown against No. 3 Texas A&M—a game that could decide whether the Longhorns make the College Football Playoff.Interim Leadership Under Pressure
Since Sam Pittman was fired after five games in 2025, Bobby Petrino has taken over as interim head coach. His tenure? Still winless. “In the second half we couldn’t get off the field and turned the ball over,” Petrino said postgame, his voice flat. “We’re trying. But we’re not making the plays we need to make.” The injury report was brutal. Arkansas was already without running back Braylen Russell, defensive back Rodney Hill, and four wide receivers—including Charlie Collins and Monte Harrison. Offensive line depth was thin. Tight end Shaq McRoy was out. Even defensive lineman Andreas Paaske, a key rotational piece, missed the game. Against a team like Texas, playing shorthanded was a death sentence.
What’s Next for Taylen Green?
Here’s the twist: the injury might not be as bad as it looked. SW Times reported on November 23 that Green “returns to practice, probable to face LSU.” That’s a critical detail. It suggests the hamstring strain was mild—likely a Grade 1—and not a season-ender. If Green is cleared, he’ll be back for Arkansas’s final game: the Battle Line Rivalry Fayetteville, Arkansas against Missouri on Wednesday, November 29. That game matters. Not just for pride. It’s the last chance for Green to prove he can lead this team before the offseason. For Petrino, it’s a chance to show he can stabilize a program in chaos. For Arkansas fans? It’s a final glimmer of hope in a season that’s felt like a slow-motion collapse.Why This Matters Beyond Fayetteville
The Razorbacks’ season has become a case study in how quickly momentum can vanish in college football. They opened 2-0. Then came the losses: to Ole Miss by three, to Memphis by two, to Notre Dame by 17. Each defeat chipped away at morale. Now, with Green’s injury, the quarterback position—which was supposed to be a strength—is suddenly the biggest question mark heading into 2026. KJ Jackson, the freshman who stepped in, completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards and one interception. He’s raw. But he’s also the future. And if Green’s recovery holds, Arkansas faces a tough decision: stick with the veteran who’s shown flashes of brilliance—or hand the reins to the kid who’s got nothing to lose?Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Taylen Green’s hamstring injury?
Based on reports from SW Times and his return to practice within 24 hours, Green’s injury appears to be a mild Grade 1 hamstring strain—not a tear. That means minimal structural damage, with recovery typically taking 1–2 weeks. He’s listed as probable for the Missouri game, suggesting the team expects full mobility by November 29. No MRI was reported, but the lack of a prolonged absence indicates it’s not season-ending.
Who is KJ Jackson, and can he lead Arkansas next season?
KJ Jackson, a redshirt freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas, had only practiced with the first team since August. He completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards in his debut against Texas, with one interception. While his decision-making needs polish, his mobility and arm strength drew praise from coaches during fall camp. If Green departs for the NFL or loses the job, Jackson could be the frontrunner for 2026—especially if he gets more reps this week.
Why did Bobby Petrino stay on as interim coach despite no wins?
Petrino, a former Arkansas head coach (2008–2011), was brought back because of his deep institutional knowledge and ties to the program. The athletic department wanted continuity during a chaotic transition. His offensive schemes, while outdated by modern standards, are familiar to players. With no clear successor identified, keeping him through the season avoids further disruption—even if the results haven’t improved.
What’s the impact of Arkansas’s nine-game losing streak on recruiting?
The streak has already hurt Arkansas’s 2026 recruiting class. Three four-star recruits who verbally committed earlier in the year have reopened their options, according to 247Sports. The loss of key players like Braylen Russell and Charlie Collins to injury has compounded the issue. Coaches are now selling resilience and the chance to rebuild—not trophies. The Missouri game could be a turning point—if Green plays and the team shows fight, it might slow the exodus.
Is this the end of the road for Sam Pittman’s legacy at Arkansas?
Yes. Pittman’s tenure ended with a 5-5 record in 2025, but the program’s downward spiral began long before. He inherited a team with talent but poor discipline. His offensive line play remained inconsistent, and his play-calling grew predictable. The 2025 season wasn’t a fluke—it was the culmination of years of underperformance. His firing was inevitable. The question now is whether the next head coach can fix the culture, not just the roster.
How does Arch Manning’s performance affect Texas’s playoff chances?
Manning’s six-touchdown game against Arkansas was the kind of signature performance that moves the needle with the selection committee. With Texas now 9-2 and ranked 17th, a win over No. 3 Texas A&M on November 28 would likely lock them into the playoff field. His ability to make plays with his arm, legs, and even as a receiver shows elite versatility. If he does it again against A&M, he’ll be in Heisman contention—and Texas will be heading to the playoff for the first time since 2011.