“He Can Compete With Me”: Arch Manning Sends Strong Message as Texas Secures 4-Star QB for 2025 Season

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their SEC Championship clash with the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs, a surprising yet confident statement has emerged from backup quarterback Arch Manning regarding the program’s future quarterback competition. Manning, the highly-touted No. 1 recruit from the Class of 2023, expressed his readiness to face off against new arrival KJ Lacey, a four-star QB who recently committed to Texas for the 2025 season.

Lacey, a 6-foot prospect out of Saraland, Alabama, is ranked as the No. 14 quarterback and No. 163 overall player in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. The 18-year-old signal caller also brings with him a significant NIL valuation of $496K, marking him as one of the top recruits in the country. As Texas continues to build its future under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Lacey’s commitment only adds to an already loaded quarterback room that includes Manning and current starter Quinn Ewers.

In response to Lacey’s commitment, Manning sent a clear and competitive message to the Longhorns’ fanbase and his fellow quarterbacks: “He can compete with me,” Manning said, signaling his belief in a healthy competition for the starting role. Manning, who has impressed in limited action this season after stepping in for an injured Ewers, has remained focused on improving his game and is embracing the challenge that Lacey’s addition brings.

Manning, who has thrown for 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, has spent most of his time behind Ewers, who has guided the Longhorns to an 11-1 record in their first season in the SEC. With Ewers expected to potentially declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning’s comments reflect his confidence and his readiness to compete for the starting job, despite the growing competition from Lacey.

Lacey’s arrival in Austin sets the stage for what could be a dynamic quarterback competition in 2025, with three talented QBs vying for the top spot. Manning’s bold statement of competition underscores the fierce determination within Texas’ quarterback room as the team looks to make waves in the SEC and continue building a legacy of excellence.

As the Longhorns continue to prepare for the SEC Championship, the drama at quarterback is far from over. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Manning, Lacey, and Ewers—if he returns—stack up against one another, with the future of Texas football at the forefront of their minds.