The Arch Manning era of Longhorns football is perhaps one of the most hyped events in recent college football history. But in the first game against Ohio State, Manning played solidly at times, but not as explosively or consistently as fans had hoped. Whether due to nerves or head coach Steve Sarkisian’s calls, Manning’s debut has left many fans wondering who the backup quarterback is.
In fact, one of the top trending search terms on Google during the second half of the game was the identity of the Longhorns’ backup quarterback. A solid touchdown throw to Parker Livingstone near the end of the game, however, is helping solidify Manning’s position with many fans.
In the unlikely event that Manning is injured or Sarkisian wants to give him a break, who will step in? Three Longhorns players on the team’s roster could make solid choices. Burnt Orange Nation reported on August 21 that the position was still up for grabs. Longhorns Wire and OurLads have different players listed for the top backup spot.
Matthew Caldwell
Senior Matthew Caldwell likely holds the top spot as the backup quarterback in the Longhorns’ depth chart, according to Longhorns Wire. He transferred to Texas from Troy during the summer of 2025. Caldwell has one season of eligiblity remaining.
Caldwell brings more consistency in preseason scrimmages than Trey Owens, though Owens is also touted as a strong player.
Before the preseason scrimmages started, Sarkisian told Burnt Orange Nation, “The last thing I want to do is put a young player on the field if he’s not ready to play. That’s something that any position needs and quarterback is obviously the most important one.”
During the second half of the game, an increasing number of people began posting on X calling for Caldwell to step in.
Trey Owens
The redshirt freshman Trey Owens is right behind Caldwell in the depth chart, according to Longhorns Wire. However, OurLads placed him ahead of Owens as the lead backup.
After the first preseason camp scrimmage, Sarkisian said about Owens: “He has some highlight throws and plays. We’ve got to have a level of consistency in him, because when he plays at a high level, it’s really good. But we’ve got to maintain the consistency for him at that spot,” Burnt Orange Nation reported.
By the second half of the game, some viewers were calling for Owens to step in.
KJ Lacey & Joe Tatum
The freshman KJ Lacey shouldn’t be overlooked for his potential as a strong backup quarterback. And right behind him is Joe Tatum.
After the second preseason scrimmage, Sarkisian had great things to say about Lacey to Burnt Orange Nation.
“KJ showed up today and had some nice drives where they moved the ball. He had a nice touchdown drive and he had the two-minute drive at the end for the field goal, which was good,” Sarkisian said.
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