Steve Sarkisian has reportedly sent out the first smoke signal that Arch Manning could be replaced as Texas’ starter.
Following back-to-back losses to unranked Oklahoma and Florida, the Longhorns’ struggles may be nearing a breaking point.
Texas entered the 2026 season with massive expectations. And if things don’t turn around quickly, the program could be forced to make a change at quarterback (and potentially head coach) down the line.
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Texas to give backup QB KJ Lacey Jr. increase in QB1 reps
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Manning is already seeing a dip in first-team reps going into Saturday’s game vs. No. 7 Ole Miss.
“Texas is expected to give an up-tick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice,” Thamel reported. “Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter. The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle.”
Sarkisian mentioned after the Florida loss that the team would evaluate “everything” this week, including the QB position.
Arch finished 14-of-20 with 173 yards and a touchdown in the Horns’ 27-24 defeat at the hands of the Gators.
Lacey Jr. has completed eight of his nine career passes for 70 yards in extremely limited action of the last two years but was a four-star recruit coming out of Saraland, AL in 2025.
