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Steve Sarkisian Reveals Why Texas Added Another QB Behind Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 27, 2025 1:41 PM ET

The Arch Manning era has officially arrived in Austin. But while Texas fans are gearing up for what could be a historic season under their new QB1, the coaching staff quietly made a roster move this week that raised some eyebrows.

Despite Manning’s status as the face of the program, Texas added veteran quarterback Matthew Caldwell, a late portal pickup from Troy with experience at multiple stops. On paper, it’s a standard depth move. But the timing—and who it came behind—makes it worth a closer look.

After letting the move speak for itself, head coach Steve Sarkisian finally addressed it, and his words suggested this was more than just adding another arm to the room.

Steve Sarkisian on adding transfer QB Matthew Caldwell: "We've got two really young talented players in Trey and KJ that we're excited about, but we go to Ohio State week one and Arch's shoe comes off? If those two guys aren't ready, to be able to put a player in who has a little…
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) May 27, 2025

“We were sitting there with Arch as our starter, and Trey and KJ as two young guys that hadn’t played,” Sarkisian said according to Inside Texas. “We just felt like adding an experienced guy—if Arch’s shoe comes off—was probably the best thing for our team.”

It wasn’t panic. But it wasn’t nothing either.

Manning may be a generational talent, but behind him are two quarterbacks—Trey Owens and KJ Lacey—with zero college snaps between them. Sarkisian isn’t taking any chances with the depth chart, especially with Texas eyeing a national title run.

Former Troy QB Matthew Caldwell signs with #Texas out of the portal.

Caldwell started six games in 2024 for the Trojans, throwing for 1,608 yards with 13 TD and 8 INT. pic.twitter.com/pP3hsp1j84
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) May 4, 2025

Caldwell brings over 1,600 passing yards and 13 touchdowns from his 2024 season at Troy. He’s played in games against Power Five competition and earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors. More importantly, he gives Texas a veteran presence if anything goes sideways.

Owens, a 6’5 pocket passer, threw for over 6,300 yards and 77 touchdowns in high school. Lacey, a top-15 QB recruit, brings dual-threat ability.

But right now, it’s Arch Manning’s show.

Still, Sarkisian’s move made one thing clear: Texas isn’t just planning for success—they’re planning for anything. All eyes now on Ohio State in a blockbuster Week 1 matchup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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