Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian indicated he could potentially bench quarterback Arch Manning after the Longhorns lost their second straight game.
"Everything's going to be evaluated," Sarkisian told reporters after Saturday's 27-24 loss at home to Florida, according to The Athletic's Matt Baker.
When asked whether that could include a quarterback change, Sarkisian responded, "Everything means everything."
Manning's disappointing season continued Saturday as he completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked five times and also fumbled with under two minutes remaining, which helped Florida ice the contest.
ARCH LOSES THE FOOTBALL 😲 Florida has possession up 3 with under two minutes to go against Texas! https://t.co/0rKqS9Dawz
— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2026
After Saturday's early slate of games, Manning ranks 72nd in EPA/dropback among 130 qualifying quarterbacks this season, according to TruMedia. He's completed 63.9% of his throws and has turned the ball over six times.
Texas' offense as a whole has struggled to consistently move the ball. The unit ranks 105th in yards per play (5.4) and 121st in yards per carry (3.6) this year. The Longhorns gained 272 yards against Florida, the second time this season they've failed to reach 300 yards in a single game.
"I just told the team downstairs what I need them to do is to hang together, stay tight," Sarkisian said when asked what he said to the players postgame, according to On Texas Football's CJ Vogel.
"Our culture is very strong. They need to hang together and allow me to do my job to get them back to the place that I know they're capable of playing."
Karle Lacey Jr. has played in spot duty this season after Manning exited blowout wins over UTSA and Texas State. Lacey was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class and the 116th-ranked overall player, according to ESPN's 300.
Texas (4-2) will look to rebound against Ole Miss (4-1) next Saturday.
