KJ Lacey secures role as backup quarterback for Texas
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 7:54 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Sophomore KJ Lacey solidified his position as the primary backup to starting quarterback Arch Manning following the Texas Longhorns' 59-7 season-opening win over Texas State on September 5. After entering the game in the third quarter, Lacey completed six of seven pass attempts for 55 yards and led the team on three scoring drives. The performance confirmed his place on the depth chart ahead of Dia Bell and MJ Morris. Head coach Steve Sarkisian noted the sophomore's playmaking ability during his first extended collegiate appearance. Historically, the Texas backup position has frequently seen active duty, with reserves called upon in nine of the last 10 seasons due to injury or tactical changes. Lacey previously served as a third-string quarterback during his freshman year.
- •KJ Lacey beat out Dia Bell and MJ Morris for the backup quarterback job.
- •Lacey completed 6-of-7 passes for 55 yards against Texas State.
- •The Longhorns defeated Texas State 59-7 in the season opener on September 5.
- •Lacey is a four-star prospect who appeared in only one game as a freshman.
- 10:20 PMYahoo Sports — Longhorns Daily News: We can now safely say that KJ Lacey is Texas QB Arch Manning’s top 2026 backup
- 7:54 PMYahoo Sports — Texas football: Sophomore KJ Lacey is the Longhorns' QB2. Here's why that matters.
"As Texas football’s lead over Texas State in Week 1 stretched until it was seemingly out of reach for the Bobcats, speculation over who would officially backup Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning swirled. However, any potential rumors were squashed early on over the weekend. That much became apparent when sophomore quarterback KJ Lacey—who, prior to his […]
"Texas sophomore KJ Lacey has beat out Dia Bell and MJ Morris for the job as Arch Manning's backup. Lacey went 6-for-7 for 55 yards in the second half of last week's 59-7 win over Texas State.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 10:20 PMLonghorns Daily News: We can now safely say that KJ Lacey is Texas QB Arch Manning’s top 2026 backup
As Texas football’s lead over Texas State in Week 1 stretched until it was seemingly out of reach for the Bobcats, speculation over who would officially backup Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning swirled. However, any potential rumors were squashed early on over the weekend. That much became apparent when sophomore quarterback KJ Lacey—who, prior to his […]
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 7:54 PMTexas football: Sophomore KJ Lacey is the Longhorns' QB2. Here's why that matters.
Texas sophomore KJ Lacey has beat out Dia Bell and MJ Morris for the job as Arch Manning's backup. Lacey went 6-for-7 for 55 yards in the second half of last week's 59-7 win over Texas State.
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