Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been limited in spring training so far after undergoing a routine foot surgery in the offseason. Manning, who is once again one of the favorites to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy, has been tabbed as possibly the best returning quarterback in college football and is expected to be key to the Longhorns’ success next season.
Manning’s limitations in practice ahead of the Longhorns’ spring game have also meant extended reps for the backup quarterback options ahead of next season.
ESPN Analyst Lauds Arch Manning’s Backup Battle
During Tuesday’s segment of the “Always College Football” show, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy weighed in on the backup quarterback battle brewing in Austin in Manning’s absence.
“Arch Manning had surgery and the staff is being super cautious with the workload that he’s gonna have this spring,” McElroy said. “There’s no panic here. Steve Sarkisian already confirmed that they’re just being smart with his management. Which means extended reps are going to Dia Bell and Trey Owens, as Arch kind of eases back in.
“That’s a good thing to figure out what the depth looks like behind Arch Manning and there’s no better way to develop a backup QB than giving them meaningful reps in competitive team settings. The silver lining here is that Arch might not be as available as you’d like, they’re building real depth in that position.”
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The battle to be Manning’s backup is between MJ Morris, who joined Texas from the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers via the transfer portal, returning redshirt freshman KJ Lacey and five-star recruit Dia Bell.
Lacey, who was Alabama’s “Mr. Football” last year, finished his career with the second-most passing yards in state history. He was a highly recruited four-star prospect and the No. 14-ranked QB in the class of 2025, before he committed to the Longhorns. He tallied 7 yards in one appearance against Sam Houston last season.
On the other hand, Texas is Morris’s fourth school after playing for the NC State Wolf Pack, Maryland Terrapins and Coastal Carolina. He has accounted for 2,021 passing yards, resulting in 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, while adding 3 rushing touchdowns in his college football career.
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday after spring practice, Sarkisian addressed the intense quarterback battle to be Manning’s backup next season.
“They’re competing their asses off right now,” Sarkisian said. “We’re full-blown competition, the whole roster. The whole roster is competing their asses off right now for an opportunity to play.”
Five-star freshman Dia Bell, who is the No. 4-ranked quarterback and No. 16 overall player in the class of 2026 according to On3, is also in the battle to be Manning’s backup next season.
