# Steve Sarkisian could face college football’s hardest call as Arch Manning invokes much higher stakes

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/steve-sarkisian-could-face-college-footballs-hardest-call-as-arch-manning-invokes-much-higher-stakes/
- Published: 2026-10-24T11:37:16+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T12:13:22+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/steve-sarkisian-face-college-footballs-hardest-call-arch-manning-invokes-much-higher-stakes
- Topics: Entertainment, Football, Sport, TV, World

## Key points

- Texas needs a stronger offensive performance against Ole Miss.
- Sarkisian has not ruled out turning to backup KJ Lacey.
- Manning says he will play freely under pressure.

## Summary

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian faces mounting pressure over whether to keep Arch Manning as starting quarterback for a crucial game against Ole Miss. The Longhorns have lost two consecutive games to unranked opponents and their offence has struggled, making Saturday’s fixture a significant test for both Manning and Sarkisian.

Sarkisian said Manning can play better and that the team helped create the heightened expectations around him. Manning has responded to the pressure by saying he intends to “let it rip”. Texas had spent more than $40 million aiming to contend for a national title, while its earlier comeback win over Ohio State could still affect its College Football Playoff prospects.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.