[Benching Arch Manning: Texas Coach Opens Door for Potential Change]
The upcoming 2026 Texas season is unraveling quickly and could lead to placing quarterback Arch Manning on the bench.
In reporting from the Austin American-Statesman, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian indicated that he has kept the door open to replacing Manning after Saturday’s 27‑24 loss to Florida.
When asked whether this meant a change to the starting quarterback, Sarkisian responded, “Our offense has not been performing well enough, and a comprehensive reassessment of personnel is being undertaken.”
“All decisions matter,” he added.
If K.J. Lacey steps into Manning’s role, the college career of Peyton and Eli’s nephew would be significantly altered; previously Manning was favored as the first overall pick in the 2027 draft. Removing him from the roster would likely extend his path to the NFL by another year, possibly involving a transfer to a different program.
Against Florida, Manning struggled. Two fourth‑quarter interceptions in the Red River Rivalry ended with a 27‑24 loss to Oklahoma, and the next matchup is Texas versus Mississippi.
Wearing the Manning name brings both reward and responsibility. The brand generates multimillion‑dollar NIL income while also attracting intense scrutiny and imposing an ever higher standard that he is currently far from meeting.