Calls for Arch Manning to leave Texas are getting louder, but the Longhorns aren’t changing course at quarterback just yet.
The latest wave of speculation picked up after former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky posted that Manning should move on. “Arch should definitely go back to school (as of right now) and definitely not at Texas,” Orlovsky said on social media this morning.
That wasn’t the only take making the rounds. Sports Illustrated’s Gene Wojciechowski floated Indiana as a possible next stop, pointing to what head coach Curt Cignetti did with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in 2025.
“I’m not saying it hasn’t worked out, but could it work out better someplace else, given what Curt Cignetti has shown, is it Indiana?” he questioned.
Pat Forde quickly added to that idea, saying it could be a “one year rocket ride” for Manning to the top of the draft board.
CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco also suggested Manning could move on, while former NFL general manager Ran Carthon mentioned Miami as another possible landing spot.
At Texas, though, the message from Steve Sarkisian was clear enough: Manning is still the starter. The Longhorns are also expected to give redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr more first-team quarterback reps in practice this week, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
That comes with Sarkisian saying Monday, “Arch can play better for us; he’s our starter, but I need to see a better version of Arch Manning,” Sarkisian said Monday. “Like I need to see a better version of a lot of guys on our offensive football team right now. We need to see a better version of him this week.”
Through six games, Manning has completed 63.9% of his passes for 1,295 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also been sacked 17 times, a sharp spike from the 23 times opposing defenses got to him across the entire 2025 season.
Texas, ranked No. 19, hosts No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday night.
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