Ryan Wingo says Texas backups KJ Lacey and Dia Bell are already turning heads in spring practice, giving the Longhorns hope beyond Arch Manning.
Texas quarterback depth is suddenly a real storyline in Austin, and Ryan Wingo made that clear when he talked about what he’s seeing behind presumed starter Arch Manning this spring.
If Manning delivers the kind of healthy, productive 2026 season many expect, the 2027 NFL Draft conversation will only get louder.
That makes the development of freshmen KJ Lacey and Dia Bell one of the most important long-term storylines for the Texas Longhorns.
Wingo didn’t sound like a player giving out empty spring praise, either.
“Them boys gonna be good. KJ and Dia. I was actually throwing with KJ yesterday. That leadership thing. He hit me up to go throw, so he's kinda putting that out there off the rip. Dia, as well, he's gonna be good too. He's a freshman but they kinda getting all the good reps they can right now in the spring. So, them boys are gonna be good.”
That quote says plenty about where both young quarterbacks stand. Lacey is already taking initiative, organizing extra work with receivers and showing the kind of leadership coaches love from a young passer. For a freshman trying to climb the depth chart, that matters.
Lacey arrived at Texas after a huge senior season at Saraland High School, where he won Alabama’s Mr. Football award in 2024.
He built his reputation as one of the best passers in the 2025 recruiting cycle thanks to his quick release, accuracy and calm feel under pressure.
Bell, meanwhile, came to Austin with even more recruiting hype. The son of former NBA player Raja Bell, he was a five-star prospect, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class, the Elite 11 MVP and Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Texas may still belong to Arch Manning right now, but Wingo’s comments suggest the Longhorns already feel good about what comes next.
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