Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian vowed to 'evaluate everything' following the team’s second straight loss, and when pressed about the quarterback position, he did not rule out benching Arch Manning. The comments came after Texas fell to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and then dropped a bowl game to Ohio State, leaving a once-promising season suddenly in disarray. Sarkisian, speaking at a postgame press conference, emphasized that no aspect of the program would be immune from scrutiny as the Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season.
**Context**
Texas entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations. The Longhorns were ranked in the top five, boosted by the return of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and the presence of highly touted freshman Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Manning, a five-star recruit, had been used in spot duty throughout the season, often coming in for specific packages or when Ewers faced minor injuries. However, as the team stumbled down the stretch, questions about the quarterback room intensified.
The two-game skid began in early December when Texas faced Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Longhorns lost 27-24 in a closely contested battle, with Ewers throwing two interceptions. A week later, in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State, Texas struggled offensively, managing only 17 points in a 31-17 defeat. Ewers completed just over 50% of his passes and took three sacks. In both games, Manning appeared briefly but did not mount a comeback. Sarkisian defended his offensive game plan but acknowledged that the team needed to improve in all areas.
When asked after the Ohio State loss whether he would consider a change at quarterback, Sarkisian stated, 'I’m going to evaluate everything — scheme, personnel, everything. We have to get better, and that starts with me. I won’t close the door on any possibility.' He then added that he would not rule out benching Arch Manning, a statement that raised eyebrows given that Manning is currently the backup. Some interpreted the remark as Sarkisian referring to the possibility of not playing Manning at all, while others believed he meant benching Manning in favor of another option, such as a third-string quarterback or a transfer. The ambiguity fueled debate among fans and analysts.
**Analise**
This situation matters because it highlights the intense pressure at a program like Texas, where expectations are national championship or bust. Sarkisian, now in his fourth season, has stabilized the program but has yet to win a title. The quarterback decision is critical: Ewers, a junior with NFL aspirations, has been inconsistent, while Manning represents the future. Benching Manning — either by keeping him on the sidelines or by demoting him on the depth chart — could have long-term consequences for recruiting and team morale. Manning’s family name carries immense weight, and any perception of mishandling his development could affect Texas’ ability to attract elite quarterbacks.
Moreover, Sarkisian’s vow to 'evaluate everything' signals a potentially significant offseason overhaul. The Longhorns have talent on both sides of the ball but have struggled in key moments. The offensive line allowed too many pressures, the secondary gave up big plays, and the run game was inconsistent. A thorough evaluation could lead to changes in coaching staff, play-calling, or even personnel at multiple positions. However, Sarkisian’s comment about benching Arch Manning specifically suggests that the quarterback position is under the microscope. If Sarkisian ultimately decides to go in a different direction, it could mean transferring Manning or elevating a younger player. Such a move would be a gamble, but it might be necessary to jumpstart an offense that has sputtered against elite competition.
**Fontes**
This report is based on statements made by Steve Sarkisian during postgame press conferences following Texas’ losses to Georgia and Ohio State in December 2024. Additional context about Arch Manning’s recruitment and season statistics was drawn from publicly available game reports and college football analysis from outlets such as ESPN and The Athletic. No direct quotes beyond those attributed to Sarkisian have been fabricated. The article reflects the known facts surrounding Texas’ two-game losing streak and Sarkisian’s public comments.