Texas' Steve Sarkisian could end up benching Arch Manning. Who could be his replacement?

Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle "Kj" Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) Steve Sarkisian hoped to send Arch Manning to New York in December for the annual Heisman Trophy ceremony. The Texas football head coach may instead send his starting quarterback to the bench before the end of October. Sarkisian said Thursday he wouldn't rule out a removal of Manning from his starting spot Saturday against Ole Miss. Sarkisian's comments continued his stance from both Monday and last Saturday, when he said all players, including Manning, will have their roles evaluated after Texas' 27-24 loss to Florida. "Every game is different, ya know?" Sarkisian said regarding a potential quarterback change. "I think Arch has had a good week of work, he's prepared himself well, but like the team, he needs to play well. And we'll go from there."Steve Sarkisian says Arch Manning will be evaluated within Saturday's game vs. Ole Miss like any other player. Removing Manning isn't limited to a blowout situation. "Just depends. Every game is different, ya know? I think Arch has had a good week of work, he's prepared himself well, but like the team, he needs to play well. And we'll go from there."- Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) October 22, 2026Why the possible move from Arch Manning?Manning's starting spot is increasingly in question after a difficult first three weeks of SEC play. Manning has four turnovers and four touchdown passes in Texas' three games against Tennessee, Oklahoma and Florida, contests that included critical turnovers from Manning in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.Sarkisian didn't shy away from criticizing his quarterback this week. Manning himself isn't above harsh self reflection, which he paired with a note of positivity Monday. "I fully expect myself to play better. I haven't put good film on tape the past five weeks," Manning said. "I'm going to be better. I'm going to be better for teammates, be better for myself, be better for my coaches. This team is built for adversity. I'm built for adversity, and we're going to respond. I know that.""I'm gonna die on the hill of letting it rip." Arch Manning's back is firmly against the wall as QB1 at Texas. How will he respond? If nothing else, he's confident he will... #HookEm https://t.co/EZYpJYepY1- Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) October 19, 2026Who could replace Arch Manning on Saturday? Manning joined Texas as one of the highest-rated high school recruits in history. His potential replacement wasn't quite as hyped, though he brings his own set of impressive accolades. Sophomore KJ Lacey committed to Texas as a four-star recruit in 2023, then arrived on campus in January 2025. He threw for the second-most yards in Alabama high school history and he was Alabama's "Mr. Football" award winner in 2024.Lacey, a 6-foot, 188-pound right-hander, has nine career college passes in three games across the past two seasons. He completed six of seven passes for 55 yards in the second half of Texas' Week 1 win over Texas State and he completed his lone completion in a Week 3 win over UTSA. "KJ is a good player. I mean, he's dynamic with the ball in his hands. He's a natural passer," Sarkisian said Thursday. "There's always things, nuances when you lack experience in practice, and we put him in some difficult situations. There's some growing pains that come with that, but he's coachable. He brings a good attitude every day. I think he's got good rapport with his teammates." Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks to quarterback Karle Lacey Jr. (9) during practice on fan day at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aril 18, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) Manning will start Saturday, per Sarkisian. Perform well in the first half, and his starting spot should remain safe. But continued struggles for Manning could send him to the bench, perhaps ushering in a new era for the Longhorns at quarterback. Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.This article originally published at Texas' Steve Sarkisian could end up benching Arch Manning. Who could be his replacement?.