Texas coach confirms Arch Manning remains starter after loss to Florida
Head coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Arch Manning will stay the starter, while backup KJ Lacey Jr. may see increased first-team reps following Texas' 27-24 defeat.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said quarterback Arch Manning will continue as the team's starter after the Longhorns fell 27-24 to Florida. Sarkisian told reporters he will "evaluate everything" after the loss, which erased a 14-point first-half lead, and added that Manning will be included in the personnel review.
ESPN reporter Pete Thamel indicated that freshman recruit KJ Lacey Jr., a four-star prospect from the 2025 class, is expected to receive more first-team quarterback repetitions. Lacey has thrown nine passes for 70 yards in his two seasons with Texas.
Manning, a junior, has accumulated 1,295 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions this season, with his yards per game dropping from 243.3 last year to 215.8. He also committed a fumble late in the fourth quarter of the Florida game, which helped seal the opponent's victory.
Sarkisian noted that while Manning's performance has been inconsistent, any decision to change the starting quarterback would be based on a thorough evaluation of the roster.