FAYETTEVILLE -- When Landon Jackson opted to return for his senior year the defense at Arkansas automatically got better.

Jackson is considered one of the elite defensive ends in the nation. As a junior, Jackson had 44 tackles, including 22 solo, 13.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, a pass breakup and couple of quarterback hurries.

Jackson was one of three players Sam Pittman took to Dallas for SEC Media Days on Thursday. No one was pleased with Arkansas' 4-8 season in 2023. From a defensive standpoint, Jackson talked about what the Hogs have to do on that side of the ball to win games.

"Really just finish close games," Jackson said. "It starts back in January. Workouts, everything like that, you just have to execute, finish those. It's about all the little details.

"Really, in those tight games we've got to do all we can to prevent them from getting first downs and really just dominate line of scrimmage, play as a unit, and get the job done."

At the end of last season, Arkansas' close losses early in the season turned into blowout losses. Jackson, who is one of the team's key leaders, admitted that was a difficult time in the locker room.

"Yeah, that's when it gets tough," Jackson said. "I mean, that's when you need a lot of leaders. I think we got that this year. I think overall there's a bunch of us who can really keep the team together when adversity hits because, I mean, you could even -- we can go undefeated this season. Adversity is going to hit at some point.

"We just have to stay together and find ways to bring other guys on the team up and really just battle back adversity."

Jackson was asked when the season ends like last year's campaign did how Pittman gets the returning and new players to buy in?

"Really when you got enough players on the team that realize it's not just on one person, it's not just on Coach Pittman, the offense, the defense," Jackson said. "It's the whole thing. I mean, there's ways all of us could have been better last year. I feel like a lot of guys on our team understood that and kind of accepted that and were, like, yeah, we've got to be better.

"I mean, we all just realized we had to be better, and I feel like we've done all the things we need to do in this offseason to really better our season."

Jackson turned in one of the season's best performances by anyone against Alabama last year. In a 24-21 loss to the Tide, Jackson had 11 tackles, seven solo, 3.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Was that game because you played the best in your life or Alabama's known offensive line issues?

"A little bit of both," Jackson said. "I just studied film and found a few weaknesses and tried capitalizing on those weaknesses. I feel like overall they got -- they had one of the best units in the country last year. They just had a few little problems, but every team has problems at some point.

"But, I mean, phenomenal players. Tyler Booker is a great player, and overall their whole unit. I mean, they had JC Latham last year. Their whole unit is really dominant on the offensive line. I feel like they're going to be just as good this year.

"I mean, I think I had a good game, but I got to make that into multiple games throughout the year and put up more games like that to be who I think I should be."

Jackson played high school football at Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove. The Texas Longhorns are now in the SEC and will come to Fayetteville this season.

"I'm very excited. Talking to some -- not former players, but players on the team who were here for that last Arkansas-Texas game, they were, like, man, that environment was something else," Jackson said. "I'm excited for it. I'm ready for that game. I know a few players on Texas's team. It will be a good rivalry to continue happening."

While Jackson won't face Alabama this season, the Hogs will go to Auburn. Jackson was asked which fan base is better on game day Alabama or Auburn?

"That's a tough question," Jackson said laughing. "I like playing at both. I don't know which one to say is really tougher because I've performed better at Alabama's, but at the same time I feel like Alabama's fan base is a little bit more wild.

"I mean, I enjoy both stadiums. I really like playing at both stadiums. They're much better than a few that I've played at. So really excited for that game."

One thing Jackson did make clear is he isn't keen on playing at neutral sites. Arkansas has played Texas A&M in Arlington (Texas) since Jackson has been in college.

"Honestly, my preference would be no neutral sites," Jackson said. "I'm big on -- I really like home games, and I love away games. I either love the crowd hating me or loving me. I don't like the mixed vibe, you know.

"I'm big on -- I love going somewhere and running out the tunnel and getting booed. It makes you work a little bit harder, but I also love running out the tunnel and just seeing my whole fan base. I prefer it like that than neutral sites."

Jackson and the Razorbacks will open the 2024 season on Thursday, Aug, 29, in Little Rock against UAPB and televised on ESPNU.