Steve Sarkisian is expected to rely on Arch Manning once more during the 2026 season as Texas eyes a potential playoff run. Meanwhile, Manning’s recent injury has given the Longhorns a chance to evaluate and cultivate their younger quarterbacks for the future.
How Steve Sarkisian Is Managing the Texas QB Rotation Amid Arch Manning’s Injury
Sarkisian discussed the quarterback room on Tuesday and how it is evolving in the wake of Manning’s offseason foot surgery. He offered insights on returning redshirt freshman KJ Lacey, a former four-star recruit from Mobile, Alabama.
“I think for KJ, he continues to show us his kind of gamer mentality,” Sarkisian said. “When we go to play football, that guy’s at his best. And like I’ve said all along about quarterbacks, I’d much rather have that progression where they get better as practice goes from routes on air to seven on seven, to team to scrimmages. I always feel like KJ is at his best when we scrimmage. He’s got a gamer mentality about him.”
Sarkisian also addressed the status of five-star freshman Dia Bell, who seems likely to redshirt in 2026. Bell missed a big portion of his senior year at American Heritage School in Florida due to injury, but Sarkisian praised his potential and adaptability within the Texas offense.
“(I’m) thoroughly impressed with Dia for a true freshman to come in and kind of just perform,” Sarkisian said. “He’s not perfect yet, but performs. But what I love about him is Dia’s coachable. His dad coached him hard, because just like all these guys when they’re true freshmen, I mean, we’re ripping his a**. Because you know, right now he’s two plays away, and he’s playing in the SEC.
“And so we’ve got to make it as stressful as possible on him and see how he responds. The guy remains so calm. He doesn’t, he doesn’t get emotional. He doesn’t get rattled. That’s a really good sign for a young quarterback, along with the physical traits. He’s obviously very gifted.”
Both Lacey and Bell are getting meaningful repetitions against experienced defenders, including standouts Colin Simmons, Rasheem Biles, and Jelani McDonald. These reps are expected to provide them with opportunities to grow in a competitive environment.
As for Manning, he underwent offseason foot surgery but has been able to continue throwing in practice while gradually building back strength. He finished the previous season with an 83.1 score in the PFSN College Football QB Impact Metric, ranking No. 37 nationally.
Sarkisian said that Manning ran two drives of 7-on-7 in Thursday’s practice. He added that while Manning could physically play, he is unsure how just a few sessions back with the rest of the team would affect him. He anticipates Manning will reach 100% health by the summer, giving the Texas offense its starting quarterback back at full strength.
