As Arch Manning struggles, Texas reportedly expected to give redshirt freshman QB KJ Lacey more first-team reps this week
While nothing is official, this is the first sign that the Longhorns could consider benching Arch Manning.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Texas is set to give redshirt freshman quarterback KJ Lacey more first-team opportunities this week. Arch Manning, who has been the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, has underperformed this season. Through six games, Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He has turned the ball over more frequently this season compared to last season, when he threw seven interceptions over 13 games.
Texas has lost two consecutive games, including a loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry and a home loss to unranked Florida. Manning’s performance has been a concern, as he has had three turnovers over the last three games. KJ Lacey, a redshirt freshman, has only attempted one pass for Texas last season and has seen action in two games this year, completing 7 of 8 passes for 63 yards.
This announcement does not necessarily mean Manning will be benched, but it indicates that Texas is preparing Lacey for a potential role change. If Lacey is eventually given the starting job, Manning would be the latest star quarterback to be benched this year. Michigan benching Bryce Underwood against Penn State and Tommy Carr stepping in to win the game are recent examples.
Texas, currently 4-2 with a 1-2 conference record, will host No. 7 Ole Miss this week. The Longhorns are currently unranked ahead of their upcoming game.
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