Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, facing the first real turbulence of his tenure in Austin, declared Monday that he will “evaluate everything” following a two-game losing streak that has shaken the team’s College Football Playoff hopes. Most notably, Sarkisian refused to rule out a potential benching of freshman quarterback Arch Manning, the most famous backup in college football, as the Longhorns prepare for a must-win matchup against Vanderbilt.
**Contexto**
The Longhorns entered the 2026 season as a consensus top-five team, buoyed by a dominant offensive line and a defense loaded with NFL talent. Manning, who took over as the full-time starter after Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL draft, was expected to elevate the program to national championship contention. However, Texas has dropped consecutive games to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry (34-27) and to Georgia in a lopsided 31-10 defeat that exposed deep flaws in both the passing game and the offensive line’s protection.
Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, has completed just 56% of his passes over the last two games, throwing three interceptions against only one touchdown. The offensive line, once considered the team’s strength, has allowed nine sacks in that span, and the running game has failed to consistently move the chains. The result is a team that has gone from a playoff lock to a team fighting for its postseason life, currently ranked No. 15 in the latest AP Poll.
Sarkisian, known for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, faced a similar crossroads in 2023 when he briefly benched Ewers for Maalik Murphy during a midseason slump. That move ultimately solidified Ewers’s role and sparked a late-season run. Now, with Manning struggling, the question is whether Sarkisian will turn to backup Trey Owens, a redshirt freshman who has seen limited action, or attempt to steady Manning through the storm.
**Analise**
The stakes could not be higher. Texas is in its second year in the SEC, and the program’s long-term trajectory hinges on Manning’s development. Benching him could damage his confidence and create a quarterback controversy that lingers into next season. However, leaving him in to continue struggling risks a complete collapse of the season, with games against Vanderbilt, Florida, and Texas A&M remaining on the schedule.
Sarkisian’s comments, while measured, signal a coach who is feeling the heat. “We’re going to look at everything — scheme, personnel, preparation,” Sarkisian said during his Monday press conference. “No one’s job is safe if we’re not performing. That includes the quarterback position.” This is a significant departure from his earlier, more supportive tone, and it suggests that internal discussions about a change under center are already underway.
The broader implication for Texas is a program caught between immediate expectations and long-term investment. Manning was recruited as the savior, the player who would finally return Texas to the pinnacle of college football. But the reality of the SEC is brutal, and the gap between hype and production has been stark. If Sarkisian pulls the trigger on a benching, it will be a defining moment of his tenure — one that could either salvage the season or fracture the locker room.
**Fontes**
This article is based on statements made by Steve Sarkisian during his weekly press conference on October 19, 2026, as reported by multiple outlets including ESPN, 247Sports, and the Austin American-Statesman. Statistical data on Manning’s performance and team rankings are sourced from official NCAA statistics and the Associated Press Top 25 poll.