Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Does Texas have another option besides struggling QB Arch Manning?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 5:16 PM ET

Should the Texas Longhorns entertain taking a drastic measure with quarterback Arch Manning after another underwhelming outing?

In Saturday's 29-21 road loss to Florida (2-3), Manning completed 16-of-29 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Following the loss, Texas became the fastest team to go from preseason No. 1 in the Associated Press poll to unranked (via The Sporting News).

Through five games, Manning has a 3-2 starting record and has completed 81-of-135 passes (60%) for 1,151 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Perhaps lofty preseason expectations have overwhelmed the 21-year-old QB, and he needs to sit and take a breather. However, do the Longhorns have another option?

Who are Texas' options behind Arch Manning?

Senior Matthew Caldwell is listed as the team's backup QB. He has previously played for Jacksonville State, Gardner-Webb and Troy. During his five-year collegiate career, the QB has completed 59.8% of his passes for 3,133 yards, 21 TDs and 15 interceptions.

Texas is ... not back. pic.twitter.com/fpZshpi5NM
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 6, 2025

Caldwell's only notable moment this season was when he threw a 26-yard strike to wide receiver Ryan Wingo on a 2nd-and-22 at Texas' 19-yard line on the Longhorns' last drive against Florida. (Manning was out because his helmet fell off on the previous play.)

The Longhorns' other QBs, freshman KJ Lacey Jr. and redshirt freshman Trey Owens, may provide no more upside than Caldwell. Lacey (6-foot, 189 pounds) lacks prototypical size for a QB. Owens, meanwhile, didn't make the traveling squad to Florida, per On Texas Football's CJ Vogel.

So, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn't considering benching Manning because he lacks a clear replacement. Instead, he's focusing on improving other parts of the offense.

During his Monday news conference, the coach said the run game "isn't working," and he's not wrong. Texas RBs Quintrevion Wisner and Christian Clark combined for 11 rushing yards on nine carries against Florida.

Still, Manning's play must improve. Heading into the Red River Rivalry against No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0) in Dallas on Saturday, it doesn't look like it will. And with the Longhorns not having another proven QB they can turn to, that likely eliminates them from College Football Playoff contention.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: