Texas is sticking with Arch Manning as the starting quarterback, but could lay the groundwork for a possible move under center.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday that Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. is expected to receive “a slight increase in first-team quarterback reps.”
Lacey, a 4-star recruit in the 2025 class, threw nine passes for 70 yards in his two seasons with the Longhorns.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters he plans to “evaluate everything” after a 27-24 loss to Florida that saw the team blow 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 attempted to at least tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Florida got the ball back and ate the final 1:58 to secure the victory.
The fact that Manning could even be on the table is a reflection of his performance throughout the season. He threw for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. His yards per game went from 243.3 in 2025 to 215.8.
Four years into his time in Austin, Manning hasn’t shown much improvement. The times he looks like an NFL-caliber pitcher are far overshadowed by his inconsistency and poor decisions.
Sarkisian said last week that Manning might not get as much attention if he were “Joe Smith” and not someone with such a decorated lineage. The flip side is that Manning might have already been benched if he was another former 5-star recruit who hadn’t yet broken out by year four.
For now, giving Lacey more looks with the first team is probably about sending a message more than anything else. That said, a coach does not take this step without having the means to follow through if a QB change is merited.
The Longhorns host No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday. If Manning were to struggle again, elevating Lacey to QB1 status could be a serious possibility.
Gn sports
