In Austin, the University of Texas depth chart has one notable blank line: the quarterback slot directly beneath Arch Manning. Coach Steve Sarkisian says the competition among Matthew Caldwell, KJ Lacey and Trey Owens remains unresolved— and he concedes that sorting a three-man race is “difficult.”
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Rising Stars
Steve Sarkisian shares update on Texas’ backup QB competition behind Arch Manning
Photo by Yahoo! News
Key Takeaways:
- Texas is holding a three-way competition for Arch Manning’s backup quarterback job.
- The contenders are Matthew Caldwell, KJ Lacey and Trey Owens.
- Head coach Steve Sarkisian has not announced a decision.
- Sarkisian acknowledges the challenge of evaluating three quarterbacks at once.
- The winner will become the primary insurance policy behind Manning.
The Battle Behind Manning
AUSTIN — At the Longhorns’ practice field, the most closely watched snaps do not involve Arch Manning’s golden arm but the three quarterbacks auditioning to stand in for him. Matthew Caldwell, KJ Lacey and Trey Owens each take their turn, knowing only one will claim the clipboard—and the pressure—of Texas’ No. 2 job.
The Three Contenders
Matthew Caldwell, a 2021-class prospect from Auburn, seeks to translate experience into trust. KJ Lacey, class of 2025 out of Saraland, arrives with fresh buzz. Trey Owens, a 2024 Cy-Fair product, rounds out the trio, bringing his own resume to the drill line.
Coach’s Dilemma
“To have a three-man race can be difficult,” head coach Steve Sarkisian admitted, offering the closest thing to a public thermometer on the contest. So far, he has declined to tip his hand, saying only that the evaluation continues.
Why It Matters
The backup spot is more than a formality in college football’s grind. Whoever wins will carry the Longhorns’ contingency plan, tasked with protecting Texas’ ambitions should Manning miss even a single snap.
What Comes Next
Sarkisian has set no public deadline. Until he does, Caldwell, Lacey and Owens will continue to trade reps—and anxiously watch the coach’s pencil hover over that empty line beneath Arch Manning’s name.
