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Sarkisian Says Arch Manning Will Be Benched If Struggles

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 2:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sarkisian Threatens Bench

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian says Arch Manning stays starter but a “s— performance” vs Ole Miss would bench him.
Manning has completed 63.9% of passes for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in six games.
Texas sits 4-2, ranked No. 19, and cannot afford another loss for College Football Playoff hopes.
Backup freshman KJ Lacey will receive more first-team reps this week.

Summary

Texas Slides Rankings

Texas fell from No. 1 to No. 19 in the AP poll after back-to-back losses to unranked SEC opponents.
The Longhorns became only the third team since 1936 to be No. 1 then lose consecutive games to unranked foes.
Texas supporters linked quarterback Manning’s struggles to financial stakes, saying donors are contacting the program.
Ole Miss coach Pete Golding defended Manning, calling claims he isn’t elite “crazy” and promising a 25-play video reel.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Mack Brown led Texas to its first national title since 1970, capping a 13-0 season with a 41-38 Rose Bowl win in which Vince Young amassed 467 total yards. The championship revived donor enthusiasm but also intensified scrutiny on the quarterback. Steve Sarkisian’s recent warning to freshman Arch Manning echoes that historic pressure on Young as Texas again faces administrative and recruiting challenges.

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Sarkisian Threatens Bench

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian says Arch Manning stays starter but a “s— performance” vs Ole Miss would bench him.
Manning has completed 63.9% of passes for 1,295 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in six games.
Texas sits 4-2, ranked No. 19, and cannot afford another loss for College Football Playoff hopes.
Backup freshman KJ Lacey will receive more first-team reps this week.

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