Arch Manning On Notice As Texas Gives KJ Lacey More Practice Reps

Arch Manning's days as the unquestioned starting quarterback of the Texas Longhorns may be numbered.

Texas is reportedly preparing to give backup quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. additional first-team practice repetitions this week, a significant development following consecutive losses that have sent Steve Sarkisian's once-promising season into a tailspin.

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According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Manning remains the projected starter for Saturday's showdown against No. 7 Ole Miss. However, the decision to increase Lacey's workload signals that the coaching staff is preparing for a potential change if Manning's struggles continue.

That's a considerable shift for a quarterback who entered 2026 among the Heisman Trophy favorites.

Through six games, Manning has completed approximately 63 percent of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Those numbers aren't disastrous, but his mistakes in critical situations have become impossible to ignore.

In consecutive 27-24 losses to Oklahoma and Florida, Manning combined for 433 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. More concerning were the game-changing turnovers.

Against Oklahoma, two fourth-quarter interceptions proved costly. Saturday against Florida, Manning lost a fumble on a late strip-sack that effectively ended Texas' comeback attempt.

The Longhorns finished with just 272 total yards against the Gators, converting only two of 10 third-down opportunities.

Following the defeat, Sarkisian indicated that no aspect of the struggling offense was exempt from scrutiny.

"Everything means everything," Sarkisian said when asked about evaluating potential changes.

Now those words appear to be carrying consequences.

Lacey, a former four-star recruit from the 2025 class, has completed eight of nine career passes for 70 yards without a touchdown or interception.

His experience is extremely limited, but his increased involvement could provide Texas with another option if Manning continues making mistakes.

Still, replacing the quarterback won't automatically repair an offense plagued by inconsistent blocking, ineffective rushing production and questionable play-calling.

Sarkisian bears responsibility for those problems, too.

Texas has fallen to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play, dropping to No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and No. 19 in the Associated Press rankings.

With Ole Miss arriving Saturday, another loss would place the Longhorns' College Football Playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.

Manning will apparently get another opportunity to prove he deserves the job.

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But this time, he'll have considerably less room for error.

And with Lacey receiving more preparation alongside the starters, the message from Sarkisian couldn't be clearer: Arch Manning's last name won't guarantee him the starting job.