In their 39-26 victory over Texas Tech in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the Arkansas Razorbacks got a glimpse of what life might look like without their star edge rusher, Landon Jackson. Over the last 37 games, including 24 starts, Jackson has been a dominant force on the Razorbacks’ defensive line. However, with Jackson opting out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft, where he is projected as a first-round pick, the Razorbacks turned to Anton Juncaj and Quincy Rhodes to step up in his absence.
Juncaj seized the moment, delivering a standout performance with 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, including a safety that energized Arkansas. For a player who had faced adversity throughout the season, this game was a pivotal moment in his career.
A Path to Return?
While Juncaj’s performance in the bowl game was initially expected to be his collegiate swan song, a recent ruling on a lawsuit involving junior college players has opened the door for a potential return. Juncaj, a Port Jervis, N.Y., native, has played for four schools in five years, including a brief stint at Nassau Community College in 2021. If granted eligibility for that season, Juncaj could play one more year for Arkansas.
Head coach Sam Pittman has already expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of bringing Juncaj back. “He’s a great kid and a really good player,” Pittman said. “He just was hurt most of this season. Juncaj will be one of the first guys I go to [if he’s granted eligibility].”
Battling Adversity
Juncaj’s journey to the Liberty Bowl has been far from smooth. After a stellar 2023 season at the FCS level, where he recorded 15.5 sacks, he transferred to Arkansas with high expectations. Unfortunately, a lingering knee injury plagued him throughout the season, limiting his production to just 12 tackles and no sacks before the bowl game.
The Liberty Bowl marked Juncaj’s first sack at the FBS level, a testament to his resilience and determination. His performance was a source of pride for his teammates, especially defensive tackle Cam Ball. “I’m so proud of my boy Anton,” Ball said. “He’s been fighting through injuries since the Oklahoma State game this whole season, and for him to just come out in his last collegiate game and lay it all on the line—it’s amazing to see.”
While Ball’s comments celebrated Juncaj’s effort, they don’t necessarily confirm his decision to return. Up until the recent ruling, Juncaj was out of eligibility, leaving the Razorbacks uncertain about their pass-rushing options for next season.
Filling the Void
Regardless of Juncaj’s eligibility, Arkansas will need to address their pass-rushing needs for the 2025 season. With Jackson preparing for the NFL and Juncaj’s status still in limbo, the Razorbacks are exploring options in the transfer portal to bolster their defensive line.
The portal window for players to declare closes Saturday, making it a critical time for Arkansas to identify and secure potential additions to their roster. While Rhodes showed promise alongside Juncaj in the Liberty Bowl, the Razorbacks will need more depth and talent to remain competitive in the SEC.
Looking Ahead
Juncaj’s breakout performance in the Liberty Bowl not only helped secure a win for Arkansas but also provided a glimpse of his potential when healthy. If granted eligibility, his return would be a significant boost for the Razorbacks, offering a proven pass rusher with FCS dominance and FBS experience.
For now, the focus remains on navigating the transfer portal and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season. Whether or not Juncaj returns, his resilience and determination have already left a lasting impact on the team and its fans.
As the Razorbacks move forward, they’ll look to build on their bowl game success and address the gaps in their roster, with the hope that players like Juncaj can continue to contribute to their climb in the SEC.
