Texas coach leaves Arch Manning's starting role undecided before Ole Miss game
Head coach Steve Sarkisian said Arch Manning's starting status will be decided based on performance, while also highlighting backup KJ Lacey's readiness ahead of the Texas-Ole Miss matchup.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters on Thursday that Arch Manning's role as starter for the upcoming game against No. 7 Ole Miss will be determined after the team takes the field. > "It just depends. Every game's different. I think Arch has had a good week of work. He's prepared himself well, but like the team, we need to play well. So, we'll go from there," Sarkisian said during a Zoom call.
When asked about Manning's attitude in the lead-up to the contest, Sarkisian linked the quarterback's heightened intensity to media scrutiny of his recent play. > "At some point he's gotta fight back. The best way to fight back is playing good football with his teammates and enjoying playing good football with his teammates," he added.
Sarkisian also spoke positively about backup quarterback KJ Lacey, describing him as a dynamic player and natural passer. He noted that Lacey is still adjusting to game speed after limited playing time but called him coachable and well-connected with teammates.
The comments follow earlier remarks in which Sarkisian said the Longhorns would remain with their incumbent starter but would need to see an improved performance from Manning. Texas, which entered the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, has recently suffered back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Florida, with Manning's decision-making and a late-game fumble against Florida drawing criticism. The outcome of the Ole Miss game could influence whether the coaching staff continues to develop Manning or gives Lacey a larger role later in the season.