Arch Manning’s struggles have sparked questions about his future with the Texas Longhorns. ESPN analyst Booger McFarland has delivered a blunt assessment of the quarterback’s development under Steve Sarkisian.

The two-time Super Bowl champion believes Manning has the talent to succeed but hasn’t shown the consistency expected of him. With Texas losing consecutive games to Oklahoma and Florida, McFarland questioned whether Sarkisian is the right coach to help the young quarterback reach his potential, saying:

“Steve Sarkisian hasn’t developed him so far in his career.”

On The Dan Patrick Show, McFarland was asked whether Texas should consider benching Manning for backup quarterback KJ Lacey Jr. He made it clear that no player should be guaranteed a starting job, regardless of reputation.

“Arch is not a good player right now, and Steve Sarkisian has to ask the question to himself: are we going to get better if we put this kid KJ Lacey in?” McFarland said.

However, his concerns extended beyond Manning’s immediate role. McFarland argued that the quarterback has not developed as expected at Texas and suggested that a change of coaching environment could eventually benefit him.

Manning entered the season with significant expectations, with many projecting him as a potential Heisman Trophy contender and the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Through six games, Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, alongside five interceptions.

McFarland believes the coach deserves much of the criticism.

“Steve Sarkisian, who’s the head coach at Texas, isn’t getting through to him, and there’s a disconnect, and you can tell that by the way he plays on the field,” McFarland said.

He also pointed to Sam Darnold’s career as an example of how a different coaching environment can help a quarterback rebuild his career. He suggested Manning and his family should evaluate whether remaining at Texas is the best path forward after the season.

McFarland also expressed doubts about Manning’s NFL readiness, arguing that another college season focused on development could be more beneficial than entering the 2027 draft.

Arch Manning’s Future at Texas Remains Uncertain

Despite the mounting criticism, Sarkisian has continued to back Manning as his starting quarterback. According to Pete Thamel, the Longhorns have also reportedly increased Lacey’s first-team practice reps.

Former LSU coach Brian Kelly has similarly criticized Sarkisian’s play-calling, arguing that Texas must adapt its offense to better suit Manning’s strengths.

“I think it’s on the play-caller. I think the play-caller takes a lot of the responsibility. Look, he’s your quarterback. They’re not going back. I mean, they’re not going to bench him unless there’s just a total meltdown. Look, Josh Heupel is doing it at Tennessee, playing great defense, running the football, and … he’s played two redshirt freshman quarterbacks, and so you can’t tell me that you can’t fit this offense to Arch Manning,” Kelly said on SiriusXM College Sports Radio.

The immediate priority remains getting the Longhorns back on track. But if Manning continues to struggle, questions about his starting position could evolve into a broader conversation about his long-term future with Texas.