The Manning family is very aware of the fact that embattled Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is evaluating everything this week, including the status of quarterback Arch Manning, after the Longhorns dropped their second game of the season in a 27-24 loss to Florida at home on Saturday. Against one of the worst secondaries in the SEC, Manning went 14 of 20 passing for 173 yards and one touchdown. He took five sacks, including one that ended in a lost strip-fumble on Texas' final offensive possession of the game.
Per Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods, the Manning family has been in communication with Sarkisian as the head coach shakes up the quarterback room this week, giving redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. more reps with the first-team offense at practice as Texas prepares to host No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday. More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More news: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts On his YouTube show on Tuesday, Richardson said the Manning family gave Sarkisian their "blessing" to do what he wants with the starting quarterback position. "I was told that the Mannings, that from the Manning camp, that Sark has their blessing for whatever it is that he wants to do," Richardson said.
"Whatever it is that he wants to do, they are all very well grounded on this whole thing." Richardson said in his own opinion, those feelings could change if the move is made, as Manning's benching would get considerable negative publicity. Manning has completed 63.9% of his passes for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions through six games this season. Lacey played in garbage time during Texas' wins over Texas State and UTSA.
He's completed 7 of his 8 passing attempts for 63 yards. Benching Manning would be a move of desperation for Sarkisian. Sarkisian is facing pressure to save his job by keeping Texas in contention for the College Football Playoff with a roster that many around the sport thought was the best on paper before the season.
Frankly, it wouldn't look well for Sarkisian to waive the white flag on Manning two years after his development of Quinn Ewers ended with the quarterback being taken by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 draft. That would be two highly recruited quarterbacks that he busted on, pointing to a problem either with scouting or Sarkisian's inability to develop at the position. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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