Arch Manning started the 2025 season with Heisman hype, but it didn’t go as planned. However, he is now back in the national spotlight as Texas aims to improve on last year’s 10-3 record.
Steve Sarkisian Seems Satisfied with Texas Backup QB Amid Arch Manning’s Recovery
After the first spring practice on Monday, Sarkisian had high praise for Texas quarterback KJ Lacey.
“Sometimes, there are unintended consequences, and this is one of Arch not being able to go,” Sarkisian said. “Usually, we have to manufacture that by pulling Arch out and everything, but now KJ is just getting those reps… There’s a lot of big reps that they’re doing right now that I think are invaluable for him. I’ve been very impressed.”
“He [Lacey] made a lot of plays today, throwing the ball. He made plays with his feet. There’s a couple plays that I think he’ll want back. But that’s going to come with some of the experience and the speed of the first-team defense, too, and how they play. But this is a great opportunity.”
As a backup for Manning in 2025, Lacey saw action in only one game, completing his single pass for 7 yards in the 55-0 win over Sam Houston on September 20.
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He arrived in Texas after an impressive high school career with 10,985 passing yards and 130 touchdowns. Lacey’s opportunity arose as Manning is limiting first-team reps while recovering from offseason foot surgery.
Sarkisian said Manning did throw some on Monday after the media viewing window ended. Sarkisian says the QB is “right on path” in his recovery from offseason foot surgery, as the Texas HC feels his quarterback is making progress consistent with the program’s expectations.
Texas doesn’t want to rush Manning, as Sarkisian said the QB will participate more as the spring sessions continue.
Manning became the topic of the college football world after a slow start to the 2025 season, but his late-season surge and performances in big moments, including the regular-season finale against Texas A&M, proved his caliber.
Manning finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns for 7 interceptions, and recorded an impact score of 83.1 (B Grade) in PFSN’s College Football QB Impact Metric this past season.
“I want to make sure he’s 100%,” Sarkisian remarked.
The current priority for Longhorns is to have Manning fully healthy and mobile by the season opener on Sept. 5 against Texas State.
In the meantime, the limited reps give developmental opportunities to Lacey, fifth-year veteran MJ Morris, and five-star freshman Dia Bell, who are expected to take most of the early spring snaps.
