Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been limited in the Longhorns’ spring practices after undergoing foot surgery in January. The “preventative procedure” addressed an injury from last season, and his restricted workload has provided extended repetitions for the players jockeying to be his backup in 2026.
The battle for the QB2 spot features true freshman Dia Bell, redshirt freshman KJ Lacey, and senior transfer MJ Morris. Recovering from the minor procedure, Manning is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the regular season on Sept. 5 against Texas State.
Ryan Wingo Predicts Bright Future for Texas Backup Quarterbacks Amid Arch Manning Recovery
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, April 2, Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo predicted that Bell and Lacey, who are fighting for the backup role, will have bright futures. “Those boys are gonna be good,” Wingo said.
KJ Lacey was named Alabama’s “Mr. Football” and was a highly recruited four-star prospect. He was the No. 18-ranked quarterback and No. 233 overall prospect in the class of 2025. He made one appearance last year, recording seven passing yards against Sam Houston in a 343-yard aerial performance by the Longhorns on Sept. 20, 2025.
During his news conference after Wednesday’s scrimmage, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the quarterback competition. “The whole roster is competing their asses off right now for an opportunity to play,” Sarkisian said. “They’re competing their asses off right now.”
Sarkisian continued, “I think it’s important for KJ, Dia and MJ. They need these real team reps right now. They need to get these things. It’s working out really well for us. It’s been great for KJ and Dia. Those guys are making tremendous strides, which is encouraging.”
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Dia Bell is a five-star recruit and, according to On3, was the No. 2-ranked quarterback and No. 5 overall player in the class of 2026 following a massive rankings update in February 2025. It has not been smooth sailing for the young passers during practice, and Sarkisian revealed his frustration with their growing pains.
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“My frustration kicks in when we coach them on something, and then we make the same mistake the next time,” Sarkisian said. “There’s a give-and-take on that front, and generally that’s when my voice starts to rise. It’s when we make the same mistakes twice, and now I’m going to be a little more animated in our coaching of that position.”
On the other hand, MJ Morris joined Texas from the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers via the transfer portal. He has also played for the NC State Wolfpack and Maryland Terrapins during his collegiate career. He has recorded 2,021 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while adding two rushing scores.
