The man behind Arch Manning – meet the players fighting to be QB2 for the Texas Longhorns
There was never a doubt Arch Manning was QB1 at Texas in 2025. The former No. 1 overall prospect, five-star, and most-hyped recruit of all-time was always going to be taking the first snap August 30 at Ohio State.But, who is behind him? If Manning rolls an ankle or his helmet inadvertently comes off who […]
There was never a doubt Arch Manning was QB1 at Texas in 2025. The former No. 1 overall prospect, five-star, and most-hyped recruit of all-time was always going to be taking the first snap August 30 at Ohio State.
But, who is behind him? If Manning rolls an ankle or his helmet inadvertently comes off who will come in to take the next snap?
Let’s meet the prospects fighting for that right.
KJ Lacey has turned heads in fall camp.
Orangebloods’ Geoff Ketchum thinks Lacey has done enough to be the number two quarterback.
“Matthew Caldwell will play in Columbus if Arch has a hangnail, but I think K.J. Lacey is the true No. 2 quarterback on the team and if anyone was needed for more than a week or two, there’s a better chance of the coaches just letting it rip with the true freshman than risking the season with someone that might only be a decent bus driver.”
Caldwell is the older, safe play if you will. Lacey seems to be the one with the juice who Steve Sarkisian would turn to if his offense needed a spark.
247Sports’ director of scouting Andrew Ivins got to see Lacey quite a bit in high school.
He got an up close look at the Elite 11 Finals.
“One of the better pure passers in the 2025 cycle. Frequently in rhythm and in sync with his wide receivers. On the smaller side, but gets the ball out fast and can change arm angles to create throwing windows,” Ivins said. “Accurate to both the first and second levels and has the power to connect on his fair share of deep shots. Has proven to be a tricky tackle for pass rushers as he dances away from pressure and buys himself time.
“Must add some body armor to survive on Saturdays, but not afraid to take a hit with his gamer-like mentality. Should be viewed as a potential high-volume distributor that can push the tempo and set the table for his playmakers with his quick release and swift decisions,” Ivins said. “Lacks the ideal measurements, but enters senior season with an impressive 31-5 record and has led his team to two-straight state title game appearances in the Yellowhammer State’s highest classification.”
Another name to know in this race is Trey Owens.
The former four-star prospect from Cy-Fair (Tex.) knew what he was getting himself into when he signed with the University of Texas a year after Arch Manning signed with the Longhorns. But, he hasn’t been deterred.
The 6-foot-5, 238 pound prospect threw for 6,360 yards and 77 touchdowns his final two years in high school. But, it’s going to be tough-sledding doing battle with Manning, Lacey, and five-star Dia Bell coming in next season.
Ketchum referred to Owen’s status on the depth chart as “no-man’s land”. He and Caldwell are similar in the sense of being the “safety net” for Sarkisian’s offense. And this isn’t a bad thing, but it’s not necessarily a good thing either.
