Razorbacks hosting 2026 Arkansas QB Kane Archer for BYU game
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A spotlight has been on Kane Archer (6-1.5, 205) over the last couple of years, and the 2026 gunslinger is living up to the lofty expectations placed on his shoulders. Greenwood High School (Greenwood, Ark.) is off to a 3-0 start with their 2026 quarterback leading the way as top programs from across the country follow along.
The impressive start to the 2023 season was covered by Archer.
“We beat Stillwater (Okla.) to start the season (49-21); I had 350 yards passing and five touchdowns in that game,” Archer said. “Our second game was against Northside (Fort Smith), they are a 7A school, we won 49-0. I played in half of that game.
“In our last game, I played the first few series against Mountain Home (55-7). I think I have 12 touchdowns total, two picks, about 700 yards passing, and about another 100 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns in about seven total quarters.”
Archer continued bragging on his Bulldog teammates, “Our defense, it is one of the best we’ve had in a long time. My brother (Cash Archer) is leading the state in sacks with nine or 10 sacks; he’s only played in nine or 10 quarters. Zack (Zitzmann), he has 30 tackles already; they are playing really well as a unit.
“We have Isaiah Arrington, LJ Robins, Grant Karnes, Noah Chaser, and Brayedan Davis at running back, if I get them the ball, they will make plays. LJ is on track for 1,000 receiving yards and Grant had 1,000 yards last year – they are all doing really well.”
Asked what he has been showcasing of his skills so far this season, Archer replied, “Extending the play; I showed that against Northside. I am staying in the pocket more and making myself go through the reads, not one read and going. I am more comfortable with the offense; this is my first season starting. I am getting used to it and comfortable.
“I am going through my progressions and doing that really well. I have four and three read progressions. This season I am reading the defense, taking what is open and not forcing the ball. I had one mistake against Northside where I forced it. The goal is to keep the chains moving and make no mistakes, that is our biggest thing.”
As Greenwood steamrolls through their 2023 schedule, two big games at the end of the season are going to grab a lot of attention in the Natural State.
“We have a rivalry game against Little Rock Christian on Nov. 3; they have (2024) Walker White (Auburn), he’s a four-star quarterback,” Archer stated. “We played them last year. I got in at half time of that one, the score was 40-12. I scored five straight times, we lost 49-35.
“If we keep winning, we are at 58 now, we will have a 62-game streak at home by that time. We play Pulaski Academy (Oct. 27) away the week before Little Rock Christian; they are a big private school here. They led the nation in yards last year, and they beat us last year by seven (42-35 – playoffs).”
Teams recruiting Archer has not slowed down with Kentucky and Tennessee offering pushing his scholarship tally to 16.
The schools showing interest yet to offer were listed, “Oklahoma definitely, Kansas State, Texas, Florida, and LSU.”
The Razorbacks are working to keep Archer close to home for college. Asked which teams are letting him know he is a priority in the 2026 class, Archer shared, “Arkansas is for sure and Missouri. Arkansas is the biggest one. I am heading to an Arkansas game on Saturday.”
Archer spoke about his interest in heading to Razorback Stadium for the BYU contest, “I am excited, it has been a long time since I have been up on the Hill.”
Insight on what Archer wants to accomplish during the visit was explained, “I have met coach (Dan) Enos (OC/QB), I want to spend time with him. I want to talk to the coaches; they do a great job when I am there talking to me. The biggest thing for me is that they want you there and you are important, and Arkansas has done that so far.”
No other visits are set for Kane, but a tag along trip with 2025 linebacker/edge rushing brother Cash may get the duo into Big 12 territory.
“I don’t have any visits set this fall after Arkansas, but I may go to an Oklahoma State game,” Archer said. “My brother was invited to go there; I may go see a game with him.”
The Bulldogs pick the action back up on Friday with a home game against Siloam Springs (0-3).
*Click the link for the April 26 RNG interview with Kane Archer.