“Everything means everything,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian declared just days ago, making it clear that the program’s quarterback situation would be subject to evaluation. For many Longhorns fans, the remark offered a welcome change after what felt like a prolonged defense of Arch Manning. Sarkisian had stood by his quarterback for so long that patience was beginning to give way to frustration.

Now, with Sarkisian opening the door to a genuine evaluation of the position, Manning’s hold on the starting job may face its biggest test yet. Another development has emerged that could put his place atop the depth chart in jeopardy.

“Texas is expected to give an uptick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice. Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote on X. “The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle.”

The report does not confirm that a quarterback battle has begun in Texas or that Manning will be benched. But the possibility has been floated. Perhaps it was about time such changes be made in Texas.

Here’s why: The program came into the 2026 season expecting to compete for a national championship. Instead, the Longhorns have now lost back-to-back games to Oklahoma and Florida, both by a score of 27-24.

The loss to Florida will sting because Texas had a 17-3 lead in the second quarter and was in control of the game. But the offense couldn’t keep things going. Florida kept scoring and took the lead.

Manning had a sack-fumble when Texas had the ball to either tie the game or take the lead. The loss dropped Texas to 4-2. Sadly, the game against Florida was the second straight week that the quarterback had the opportunity for a late victory, but none of that took place. Instead, turnovers ended both weeks in losses.

Manning also made wrong decisions in the last two games. So, Steve Sarkisian now needs to find a way to get his team back on track before the schedule gets any tougher.

Further, the QB’s numbers show he has had a mixed start to the season. In six games, he’s completed 63.9% of his passes for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He’s also run for 102 yards on 49 carries. Against Florida, he went 14-for-20 for 173 yards and a touchdown, but a late fumble hurt Texas in the loss.

The quarterback entered the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite and a projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Those expectations have made his recent mistakes even more noticeable.

What makes the whole scenario worse is the fact that the program is walking a dangerous tightrope in its College Football Playoff chase. Another defeat could leave the Longhorns with no realistic hope of reaching the postseason. That makes every remaining game crucial, else the coach could lose his job.

Sarkisian has also acknowledged that changes could be necessary. Following the Florida loss, the Texas coach made it clear that the offense’s performance would be scrutinized rather than allowing the same problems to continue unchecked.

“We’re not playing good offensive football right now, so everything is going to be evaluated,” Sarkisian said in the postgame presser. 

Manning also accepted responsibility for his role in the team’s struggles, recognizing the expectations that accompany playing quarterback at Texas.

“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.

That said, Lacey now has an opportunity to strengthen his case for more playing time, although his limited experience makes a permanent change far from straightforward. 

KJ Lacey Jr. now has a chance

The redshirt freshman joined Texas as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class after attending Saraland High School in Alabama. He has appeared in three games, completing eight of nine passes for 70 yards while adding three rushing yards on two attempts.

Texas will need to weigh that inexperience against Manning’s recent difficulties. The Longhorns have highly regarded talent across their offense, including wide receiver Cam Coleman, and the coaching staff will be expected to find a way to make those weapons more effective.

Manning remains the expected starter, but the increased first-team repetitions give Texas a potential alternative if his struggles persist. But even if the starter is changed, it won’t magically end their struggles.

It is because the whole offense is struggling.

Florida’s defense had given up 83 points over the previous two weeks, yet Texas struggled to capitalize against the same unit. The Longhorns finished with only 272 total yards and 17 points on offense.

Plus, the Longhorns’ third-down conversion rate fell to just 20% on Saturday.

So, Sarkisian will have to sort these issues out quickly. Their next game is against Ole Miss on October 24.