The Big 2024: Orlando Knights’ Quarterback Battle and Their Readiness for Big 12 Conference

The 2024 Knights are preparing for fall camp, and the quarterback position is the first spot to be analyzed in this position-by-position breakdown. KJ Jefferson is expected to be the starter when the Knights kick off the season against New Hampshire on Aug. 29. Jefferson, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Arkansas, has set multiple passing records during his time with the Razorbacks. His experience in the SEC and his skillset make him an ideal leader for the team as they enter their second year in the Big 12 conference.

Behind Jefferson, Timmy McClain’s departure led to the addition of Jacurri Brown to provide depth to the quarterback room. Brown is a redshirt sophomore who played nine games for Miami over the past two seasons and showed promise with his passing and rushing abilities. Dylan Rizk, who saw limited action as a freshman before redshirting, will also be competing for playing time alongside Riley Trujillo, a January enrollee, and fellow freshman EJ Colson.

The departure of John Rhys Plumlee and Timmy McClain, along with Gunnar Smith’s transfer, reshaped the quarterback room. However, with KJ Jefferson and Brown now part of it, Orlando has a solid group of quarterbacks ready to lead them into battle in 2024. The projected depth chart includes Jefferson as QB1, Brown as QB2