Overview
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday he will start Arch Manning but demanded a clearer response from the quarterback and called Manning “edgy” in practice.
- Backup KJ Lacey has received an uptick in first‑team reps this week and is described by staff as the immediate replacement option if Manning is removed.
- The Longhorns have lost consecutive games and dropped from No. 1 to No. 19, and a third loss to Ole Miss would all but end Texas's realistic path to the 12‑team College Football Playoff.
- Manning committed pivotal late turnovers in losses to Oklahoma and Florida that directly swung both results and have raised specific concerns about his decision‑making and pocket timing.
- Texas will likely be without All‑American pass rusher Colin Simmons because of a high ankle sprain, a setback that weakens the defense and heightens the short‑term and NFL draft stakes for Manning.