Texas is giving redshirt freshman quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. increased first-team reps in practice this week, according to Sporting News, even as Arch Manning still projects as the starter for the Longhorns. The added work for Lacey comes after Texas dropped consecutive games to Oklahoma and Florida, with Manning turning the ball over in both losses.
“Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter. The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle,” Sporting News reported.
The Main Development
The KJ Lacey Jr. first-team reps mark a notable shift in how Texas is managing its quarterback room midseason. Lacey, a former four-star recruit, has appeared in two games this season as Manning’s backup. Getting extended run with the starting offense in practice puts him in position to play immediately if Texas needs a change.
Manning has not been benched, and the sources make clear he remains the presumed starter. But the decision to funnel more practice snaps to Lacey this week, rather than keep the reps status quo, reflects a program preparing contingency plans in real time.
What It Means
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the offense is under review following the losing stretch. “We’re not playing good offensive football right now, so everything is going to be evaluated,” Sarkisian said. That evaluation now visibly includes practice-rep distribution at quarterback, the most direct signal a staff can send without making an actual change at the position.
Sports Illustrated reported the shift follows five consecutive weeks of struggles from Manning, including back-to-back losses to unranked teams and two game-deciding turnovers. The report also cited issues with Manning’s command of the offense, including missing open receivers, drifting in the pocket and creating unnecessary pressure, and forcing bad decisions on certain reads.
Context: Manning’s Recent Numbers
Manning has completed 63% of his passes this season for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Against Oklahoma, he went 19 of 31 for 260 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Against Florida, he completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown, but a strip-sack fumble with 1:58 remaining ended a potential go-ahead drive with Texas trailing by three points.
Manning has topped 250 passing yards only once in his past five games, a decline that lines up with the timing of Lacey’s increased workload. Sarkisian pushed back on criticism of his quarterback earlier this month on ESPN. “I think if you took the name off the back of his jersey and you said, ‘Here’s Joe Smith playing quarterback at the University of Texas and here’s a guy who’s beaten four top-10 ranked teams in his last 13 starts,’ we’d be praising the guy,” Sarkisian said, suggesting the Manning name draws outsized scrutiny.
Lacey’s Profile
Lacey is described by Sporting News as possessing quick decision-making, arm talent and accuracy, the traits that make him a viable option if Texas does move on from Manning. He has not started a game at Texas and has no reported statistics from his two appearances this season, so his readiness for extended snaps remains untested in live action.
What’s Next
Manning is still expected to start for Texas as the Longhorns prepare for their next game, with the quarterback competition set to remain a storyline in practice this week. No change at the position has been announced, and Sarkisian’s comments indicate the staff will continue evaluating the offense as a whole rather than isolating blame on Manning alone.
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