Sarkisian signals review of quarterback spot
Coach Steve Sarkisian made clear this weekend that Arch Manning’s starting job is under evaluation after Texas’ 27-24 loss to Florida. Sarkisian repeatedly said the offense is being examined, telling reporters, “I just felt like we didn’t play good offensive football and we’re not playing great offensive football right now,” and adding, “Everything means everything.”
When pressed about a potential change at quarterback, Sarkisian declined to make an immediate decision but left open the possibility of replacing Manning. He also pushed back on assigning blame to one player, saying, “Everybody was taking turns, it would be easy for me to say ‘Hey, Arch was the problem today.’”
On-field signs fueling the debate
Manning’s recent game film has amplified those questions. Against Florida, he completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards — an average of 8.7 yards per completion — and on the second play he was sacked and fumbled; Florida later picked up a first down and iced the game.
Those issues followed a dramatic fourth quarter in the Red River Rivalry, where Manning threw two late interceptions that set the stage for a 27-24 loss to Oklahoma. The back-to-back defeats to unranked opponents have compounded scrutiny after Texas entered last weekend ranked No. 1 in the nation.
What’s at stake for Manning and the program
Outlets covering the situation have framed the stretch as perilous for Texas’ season. NBC Sports described the campaign as “quickly imploding” and suggested the slump “could result in the benching of quarterback Arch Manning.” Coach Steve Sarkisian said he would be “looking at everything” after consecutive losses.
There are broader implications projected around Manning’s trajectory. NBC Sports noted that not long ago Manning was the betting favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2027 draft, and said that if he were removed from the lineup he might delay entering the NFL — possibly taking another year or transferring to a new program. Those scenarios are projections, not decisions.
Sarkisian’s comments formalize an internal review rather than an immediate personnel move. For now, the coach has signaled that the offense — and its signal-caller — will be assessed on performance, with any changes to the depth chart left open as the Longhorns attempt to arrest a damaging slide.
