Texas reportedly makes decision on Arch Manning

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning entered the season as the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2027 NFL Draft, but his job security is now in question after back-to-back losses. And it sounds like Texas is at least preparing for the possibility of a change under center.

The Longhorns are reportedly expected to give more first-team reps to redshirt freshman quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. in practice this week. Manning is still expected to start against Ole Miss on Saturday, but the move could signal that Texas is willing to put him on the bench.

‘Everything Is Going to Be Evaluated’

Texas jumped out to a 17-3 lead over Florida on Saturday, but the Gators scored the next 24 points to pull off a 27-24 upset in Austin. Manning went 14-of-20 for 173 yards and a touchdown, but his late fumble essentially ended the game. That came just one week after Manning’s late turnovers helped Oklahoma beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry.

After the Florida loss, head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t rule out a quarterback change.

“We’re not playing good offensive football right now, so everything is going to be evaluated,” Sarkisian said, via On3.

Manning didn’t seem bothered by the idea of being evaluated, though.

“Yeah, I mean everyone’s evaluated every week. That’s how it is when you go to a school like this with elite players. Everyone’s gotta get better and that starts with me,” Manning said, via CJ Vogel of On Texas Football.

More Reps for Lacey

On Monday, amidst speculation that Manning could be benched, college football insider Pete Thamel of ESPN reported that Lacey will be getting more work with the first team this week, but Manning was still expected to start.

“Sources: Texas is expected to give an up-tick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice. 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,” Thamel wrote on X.

Lacey has seen very limited action in his career, appearing in three games and going 8-of-9 passing for 70 yards. He was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025 out of Saraland High School in Alabama.

The Longhorns have to get their offensive struggles sorted out in a hurry, because their playoff chances are dwindling and the road doesn’t get any easier. Texas still has to face Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, and LSU over the next four weeks, and one more loss would likely end their playoff hopes.

Needless to say, Manning will be under plenty of pressure to bounce back on Saturday, with Lacey now waiting in the wings.

The post Texas reportedly makes decision on Arch Manning appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.