No. 19 Texas might not bench Arch Manning just yet, but Steve Sarkisian is setting the groundwork should he choose to make a change at quarterback.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports the Longhorns plan to give redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. more first-team reps this week after an upset 27-24 loss to Florida on Saturday. Following a 4-0 start, including a dramatic comeback win over Ohio State, Texas has lost two in a row.
Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, struggled mightily against the Gators after starting the game with a 17-3 lead. He was sacked five times, including one that led to a fumble on the team’s final possession. Manning ended his afternoon throwing for 173 yards on 14-for-20 passing with a touchdown.
The preseason presumptive first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, Manning has shown flashes of brilliance this season alongside some poor decision-making. It’s the latter that forced Sarkisian to concede that a change could come under centre.
“We’re not playing very good football right now,” Sarkisian said after the loss. “I have to evaluate everything. It’s gonna be a long night.”
Lacey, 19, was Alabama’s Mr. Football Award winner in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he’s appeared in three games, including two in 2026, but has seen very limited action. Lacey has completed eight of nine passes for 70 yards.
Things don’t get any easier for the Longhorns, who are now clinging to their College Football Playoff hopes by a thread. The team hosts No. 7 Ole Miss (5-1) on Saturday and still has road dates with ranked teams in No. 22 Mississippi State and No. 18 LSU upcoming.