Longhorns' Arch Manning On Hot Seat, But Coach Sark Can't Bench Him

I believe we should characterize the news that the University of Texas is considering benching Arch Manning as a psychological threat rather than as a physical one.

In other words ... 

While Texas is reportedly preparing to give backup quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. additional first-team practice repetitions this week, coach Steve Sarkisian's reputation is tied to making it work with Manning.

Oh, I know ... in back-to-back weeks, it hasn't worked aganst Oklahoma and Florida.

But as this once-promising season goes into a tailspin, UT remains in the playoff hunt (absurd as that sounds). And Sark's $11 million per year position may be on the line.

You really think he's going to rely on KJ Lacey to save his job?

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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.

Or, it signals that Sark is trying to challenge Manning, to light a fire under him, to get the best from him.

All of that marks a considerable shift for a quarterback who entered 2026 among the Heisman Trophy favorites, and it does lead to a troubling potential truth ...

Maybe UT is already "getting the best'' from Arch. 

Maybe this it what he is.

Through six games, Manning has completed about 63 percent of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Those numbers aren't disastrous, but his mistakes in critical situations have become a sad part of his repuation.

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.

I believe "everything'' includes Lacey - a former four-star recruit from the 2025 class who has completed eight of nine career passes for 70 yards without a touchdown or interception - getting some practice reps.

I do not believe that he's "better'' than Manning or that he gives UT a "better chance'' to beat Ole Miss.

Arch is on the hot seat. So is Sark.

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.

Is Coach Sark really going to leave that up to Manning's inexperienced backup? Or is he gonna "coach 'em up'' and get Manning ready to win?

MORE: Texas Plummets To No. 19 In AP Poll As Playoff Hopes Fade

Manning might not have much room for error; maybe the rope he'll be given will be short. ... but not that much shorter than the rope being give to Coach Sark, who needs this win at least as much as his "star'' QB does.