DALLAS — Landon Jackson was a highly sought after recruit out of Texarkana Pleasant Grove High School in the Class of 2021.

The four-star defensive end chose LSU and spent one season with the Tigers without recording a tackle before transferring to Arkansas.

In 2022 at Arkansas, he finished with 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a force fumble.

Last season, Jackson took a big leap with 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

“Landon Jackson led our team in sacks and tackles for losses last year,” Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman said Thursday at SEC Media Days. “He was also a captain for us last year. He’s right here from Pleasant Grove High School in East Texas.”

“I think the biggest thing that went into that really was discipline, disciplining myself to develop my body the way I needed to be,” Jackson said. “Just going out there and being put in the right position, as well. I think Coach T Will’s (defensive coordinator Travis Williams) defense really fits by style of play well. Just going out there and letting it happen and really try to develop a secondary a pass rush move.”

Jackson, who is 6-7 and 281 pounds, is currently projected to be the No. 20 pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft by Walter Football.

Jackson said the addition of Texas is good for the SEC.

“I think that’s going to be big time for the conference,” Jackson said. “They’re a dominant team, and I think them coming over, it makes our conference even more powerful. I’m excited to play them.”

Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian on Wednesday said “I jokingly say when you go to Arkansas, I feel at times that they hate Texas more than they like themselves.”

Jackson said, “I don’t agree, personally. Because I love Arkansas a lot. I do hate the hell out of Texas, but I love Arkansas just a tad bit more.”

Jackson’s brother, Lance — the No. 2 edge rusher and No. 22 recruit in the Class of 2025 — is committed to Texas.

“I tried really hard to bring him over before he committed,” Jackson said. “Before his junior year of Arkansas, I almost got him to commit to Arkansas. I guess he fell in love with Texas, so I’m happy for him and I’m ready to see what he does there.”

Arkansas’ second game of the year will be at Oklahoma State, where Jackson will see a familiar face.

“Nick Martin is one of my best friends from high school,” Jackson said. “I’m excited to play against them. I’ve been talking to him about it.”

The Razorbacks will open the season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Aug. 29 in Little Rock.