Texas coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Arch Manning will remain the starting quarterback for Saturday’s clash against seventh-ranked Ole Miss but insisted the sophomore must improve his play after a series of recent struggles. Sarkisian said on Monday that while Manning holds the starting job, he expects to see a better version of the quarterback this week, reflecting concerns over the Longhorns’ offensive performance.
“Arch can play better for us; he’s our starter, but I need to see a better version of Arch Manning,” Sarkisian said. “Like I need to see a better version of a lot of guys on our offensive football team right now. We need to see a better version of him this week.”
The decision comes after Manning’s inconsistent outings, including a costly late-game fumble in Texas’s 27-24 loss to Florida this past weekend. The defeat extended the Longhorns’ recent two-game skid and saw their top-10 ranking take a hit. Sarkisian acknowledged offensive struggles have been an issue, saying, “I just felt like we didn’t play good offensive football, and we’re not playing great offensive football right now.”
Earlier reports suggested backup quarterback KJ Lacey had been getting an “uptick” in first-team reps following Manning’s difficulties, but Sarkisian clarified that Lacey takes first-team reps every week. “We’ll find out as the week goes,” Sarkisian said, indicating that while Manning remains the starter, the coaching staff continues to evaluate options behind center.
Manning’s season has seen a regression in consistency compared to his final six starts in 2025, his first year as a starter. This year, he has thrown for 1,295 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, four of those turnovers coming against Power Four opponents. Some of the turnovers and mistakes have come in critical moments, including two interceptions during a loss to Oklahoma earlier this month and the fumble against Florida.
Sarkisian put some of the blame for the late-game turnover on Manning’s decision-making. “I think on that play, our protection might’ve been OK. I think [Manning] might have been a little quick to kind of drop his eyes. He had Emmett Mosley, who’s the primary [receiver]. We thought the ball could have got out,” he said.
The quarterback himself responded candidly to his coach’s comments after the Florida loss. “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.
The Longhorns’ offense has struggled beyond Manning’s performance, ranking 12th in the SEC in total offense, 13th in rushing, and 15th in explosive plays after seven games. This is especially striking given the talent on the roster and offseason additions like Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State, yet the running game has failed to consistently push opponents off the ball.
KJ Lacey, a 2025 signee and Alabama native, remains the primary backup. Lacey was a four-star prospect who won a 6A state title at Saraland High School and ranks as the No. 2 passer in Alabama prep history with 10,985 yards. He has made three appearances over two seasons at Texas, completing five of seven passes for 55 yards in the season opener against Texas State and appearing briefly against UTSA.
Sarkisian emphasized that Lacey’s reps have not changed this season despite Manning’s struggles, but he hinted that the situation could evolve as the week progresses. The Longhorns will look to address their offensive issues ahead of their SEC showdown with Ole Miss, with Manning’s performance under particular scrutiny.
According to CBS.