SMU's Hicks headed to Arkansas

SMU quarterback Ben Hicks (8) throws a pass in front of Central Florida defensive lineman Joey Connors (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

— Arkansas' stated intent was to land a graduate-transfer quarterback and it landed one very familiar to the Razorbacks coaching staff.

Former SMU quarterback Ben Hicks (6-2, 220 pounds), the Mustangs' leading all-time passer in yardage (9,081 yards) and touchdown passes (71), announced Monday that he has decided to spend his final season at Arkansas.

He will enroll at Arkansas sometime this week and be able to go through off-season conditioning and spring practice with the Razorbacks.

Hicks, who also considered Louisville and Georgia Tech, will compete for the starting job along with redshirt freshmen Connor Noland and John Stephen Jones, redshirt sophomore Daulton Hyatt and true freshman KJ Jefferson.

Ty Storey, who started nine games for Arkansas in the 2018 season, and Cole Kelley, who started twice last season, have decided to transfer.