The countdown to Longhorns football continues. Just 96 days stand between us and the finish line of the offseason, which means it’s time to break down the depth chart. There is time for things to shift but the good news is that doesn’t apply to today’s position. The quarterback position is the depth chart that is firmly set and is very unlikely to change before kickoff.
Let’s get into where Texas stands with their signal callers:
Starter: Arch Manning
The most important player for the Longhorns and the outright leader of the team leads the way. No one needs to be told about the pressure on Manning’s shoulders last season. Well, that pressure is not going away heading into 2026. Texas is entering with “title or bust” expectations, which means Manning will have to take a step forward from a year ago. If he does, this Texas team could fulfill those lofty expectations.
Manning is one of the most talented QBs in the country. Many(including myself) believe he will put together a very strong season and likely find his way to New York City. However, potential is irrelevant for this team and Manning if it can’t be realized. If he does, Texas will be a title favorite throughout the season. If he doesn’t, the disappointment will continue in Austin. That’s an incredible amount of pressure to shoulder, but he’ll have to in 2026.
Backup: KJ Lacey
Heading into the offseason, KJ Lacey seemed to be the favorite for the backup job. Now, it seems like he’s locked up the 2nd team spot behind Manning. Lacey put together a very strong spring camp, asserting himself as the No. 2 for the Longhorns. If history is any indication, he’ll need to be ready to step in for Manning at some point this season. It was Maalik Murphy in 2023, Arch Manning in 2024 and Matthew Caldwell in 2025. It’s KJ Lacey’s job in 2026 and he’ll have to be ready to step up in big moments this season.
Depth Options: MJ Morris and Dia Bell
Finally, the Longhorns filled out their QB room with Coastal Carolina transfer, MJ Morris and five-star freshman Dia Bell. The order of these two is unknown, but we’ll start with the veteran. Morris enters his redshirt senior season, following stops at Coastal Carolina, Maryland and NC State. He brings an interesting dual threat ability to the table which can be an asset for the Texas defense while preparing for other talented runners, like Marcel Reed and John Mateer.
Dia Bell is the guy you’re unlikely to see this season. That being said, there’s a solid argument he will be at the top of this group this time next year. Bell enters as the No. 2 QB in the country and despite his placement today, could fly up this list. That’ll develop throughout the season but for now, Longhorns fans should be excited about Bell’s future in a Longhorns uniform.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Texas Quarterbacks Depth Chart
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
