Arch Manning remains the starting quarterback for No. 19 Texas despite the Longhorns’ offensive struggles in back-to-back losses, coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday.
“There’s no question about it, Arch can play better for us, but he’s our starter,” Sarkisian said at his weekly press conference. “We should see a better version of him this week.”
The Longhorns were the no. 1 two weeks ago before suffering back-to-back regular-season losses for the first time since 2021. Texas (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) plays No. 7 Mississippi (5-1, 3-1) at home on Saturday.
Manning, a fourth-year player, has struggled in his second season as a full-time starter and has been the target of criticism in a Texas offense that has floundered all season. His three fourth-quarter turnovers were critical in losses to Oklahoma and Florida.
The grandson of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning was the top recruit in the country coming out of high school. He was projected as a potential Heisman Trophy winner from the day he arrived on campus.
Sarkisian said Manning can still be coached into a better player than he has shown this season.
“Sometimes that’s patting him on the back. Sometimes that’s tough love and we have to be honest with him about where he needs to improve,” Sarkisian said. “The player is there and it’s our job to take it out of him.”
Sarkisian said he liked Manning’s attitude when they spoke after the Florida loss.
“He has a chip on his shoulder,” Sarkisian said. “I like it.”
Manning promised to play better.
“This team is built for adversity. I’m built for adversity,” Manning said. “It’s hard not to have a chip on my shoulder … I think I play better with it.”
Texas went 10-3 in Manning’s first season as the starter in 2025 and barely lost College Football Playoffs. After struggling early last season, Manning was among them The SEC top quarterbacks as Texas has won seven of its last eight games.
This season, Manning ranks 11th among SEC quarterbacks with 1,295 passing yards, a 64% completion rate, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. His decision making during games has been very hesitant and he has been sacked 17 times.
Until the Florida loss, there had been suggestions that Sarkisian might bench Manning for backup KJ Lacey, a sophomore who was a touted recruit but had little game experience.
The 6-foot, 188-pound Lacey has played in two games this season and has completed 7 of 8 passes for 63 yards. He hasn’t played since beating Texas UTSA 30-6 on September 19th.
Lacey normally faces the first-team offense in practice and that won’t change this week, Sarkisian said.
Manning’s struggles aren’t the only problem with the Texas offense.
Sarkisian’s call has been heavily criticized. Texas has scored more than three touchdowns just once this season, and the Longhorns average just 135 yards per game rushing, which ranks among the worst in the SEC.
Sarkisian noted that every team in the SEC now has one loss and Texas is still in the mix for a conference championship.
“It’s easy to hear the outside noise, ‘the sky is falling and the season is over,'” Sarkisian said. “We must get back on the horse. We must ride.”
Reporting by the Associated Press.
