North Alabama coach Brent Dearmon wary of Arkansas QB KJ Jackson
North Alabama coach Brent Dearmon praised Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield's preparation and discipline ahead of Saturday's game. He highlighted quarterback KJ Jackson's explosive arm and mobility, saying the Lions must keep him in the pocket. Dearmon's team opened with a win over Samford and seeks an upset in Fayetteville.
Dearmon's Lions opened their season with a 22-10 win over Samford on Aug. 29, giving the program momentum before facing an SEC opponent. His tenure at North Alabama has been difficult, with an 8-27 overall record and a 2-10 finish last season. He previously faced Silverfield in 2024, when Memphis shut out UNA 40-0.
Dearmon's familiarity with Jackson comes from relationships with the quarterback's high school coaches in Montgomery, Alabama. He emphasized Jackson's strong arm and ability to escape pressure, noting the Lions must maintain disciplined pass-rush lanes to contain him. Saturday's game kicks off at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network.
This game highlights the competitive gap between FCS programs and Power Four schools, as North Alabama seeks a historic upset while Arkansas begins a new coaching era. The outcome could shape recruiting perceptions and show how smaller programs use marquee matchups for national exposure. For fans, it offers an early measure of Silverfield's preparation against a motivated, experienced opponent.