Texas is sticking with Arch Manning as the starting quarterback, but could be laying the groundwork for an eventual change under center. Head coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear that Manning will remain the team’s starter on Monday: That comes after ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Monday that Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. is expected to receive “an increase in first-team quarterback reps.” Lacey, a 4-star recruit in the 2025 class, threw nine passes for 70 yards during his two seasons with the Longhorns. Sarkisian told reporters he planned to “evaluate everything” after a 27-24 loss to Florida, in which the team blew a 14-point first-half lead. He added that Manning would not be exempt from personnel evaluations. The junior committed a costly fumble as Texas was trying to at least tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Florida got the ball back and ate up the final 1:58 to secure the victory. The fact that benching Manning may even be on the table reflects how he has performed throughout the season. He has thrown for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. His yards per game have fallen from 243.3 in 2025 to 215.8. Four years into his time in Austin, Manning hasn’t shown much improvement. The moments where he looks like an NFL-caliber pitcher are overshadowed by his inconsistency and poor decision-making. Sarkisian claimed last week that Manning might not receive as much scrutiny if he were “Joe Smith” and not someone with such a decorated lineage. The flip side is that Manning could have been benched if he were any other former 5-star recruit who hasn’t yet found success in Year 4. For now, getting Lacey more first-team looks is probably about sending a message more than anything else. That being said, a coach does not take this step without having the means to move forward if a QB change is warranted. The Longhorns host No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday. If Manning struggles again, elevating Lacey to QB1 status could be a serious possibility.
