Breaking Down Texas’ QB Room Post-Portal: Arch Ascends, Depth Reloaded
With the 2026 transfer portal window officially closed, it’s time to take a closer look at how the Texas Longhorns quarterback room stacks up heading into spring ball - and the early signs point to a group that’s not just stable, but quietly loaded.
Quarterback Grade: A
Let’s start with the obvious: Arch Manning is the guy. He closed out the 2025 season with a stretch of football that finally matched the hype - and then some.
His performance in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan was the exclamation point: 21-of-34 for 221 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus a pair of touchdown runs that showcased just how much more comfortable and confident he’s become in Sarkisian’s system. The 23- and 60-yard scampers weren’t just big plays - they were statements.
Manning’s growth down the stretch turned what was a solid A-minus into a firm A heading into 2026.
The departure of veteran backup Matthew Caldwell, who exhausted his eligibility, and the transfer of Trey Owens to Arkansas State did thin things out briefly. But Texas wasted no time reloading.
Enter MJ Morris, a transfer with experience at both NC State and Maryland, who brings a veteran presence to the room. While he’s not expected to push Manning for the starting job, Morris gives the Longhorns something they badly needed - a seasoned arm who’s seen live bullets in multiple Power Five environments. That’s a luxury not every program has behind a star QB.
Then there’s KJ Lacey. The staff made a clear statement when they elevated him ahead of Owens midway through last season.
That’s not a move made lightly, especially in a quarterback room that had already been carefully constructed. Lacey’s still young, but the belief from inside the building is real.
He may not have Caldwell’s experience yet, but the tools are there, and the coaching staff clearly trusts him to step in if needed.
Let’s not forget - last year, Texas didn’t land Caldwell until May. This time, they’ve solidified their depth chart early, giving the entire group the benefit of a full offseason together.
That matters. Continuity in the quarterback room is often underrated, and the Longhorns are setting themselves up for a smooth spring and summer.
Bottom line: Texas heads into 2026 with a star at the top, a promising young backup, and a veteran insurance policy. That’s a winning formula in today’s college football landscape.