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Steve Sarkisian Arch Manning evaluation is now at the center of attention after No. 7 Texas suffered a stunning 27-24 home loss to Florida on October 17, 2026. The defeat exposed serious offensive problems and prompted Sarkisian to say that “everything” is under review.
Florida entered Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on a two-game losing streak and started backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. Despite those disadvantages, the Gators produced one of the biggest surprises of the college football season. Texas led early but could not maintain its momentum, eventually allowing Florida to complete a dramatic comeback.
Steve Sarkisian Arch Manning Evaluation Begins After Collapse
“We’re not playing very good football right now,” Sarkisian said after the game, according to ESPN. “I have to evaluate everything. It’s gonna be a long night.”
The Texas coach made clear that his review will extend beyond the quarterback position. Sarkisian is responsible for calling the Longhorns’ offense, and he acknowledged that playcalling will also be examined as the team searches for answers.
“We’re going to evaluate everything from an offensive perspective,” Sarkisian said. “Part of that is playcalling.”
That statement immediately raised questions about whether Arch Manning will remain Texas’ starter. However, Sarkisian resisted placing the loss entirely on Manning, emphasizing that the entire offense failed to execute consistently.
Arch Manning Endures Difficult Afternoon
Manning finished with 173 passing yards and one touchdown, but the sophomore quarterback struggled under heavy pressure. He was sacked five times and had only 68 passing yards in the first half. His most costly mistake came late in the fourth quarter, when he lost a fumble on a sack with 1:58 remaining.
Florida’s Kanye Clark recovered the ball, allowing the Gators to protect their lead and complete the upset. Manning also recorded his third fourth-quarter turnover of the season, the most among SEC players, according to ESPN Research.
Still, Manning said the possibility of an evaluation did not surprise him. “Everyone’s evaluated every week,” he explained. “That’s how it is when you’re at a school like this with elite players. So everyone’s got to get better.”
Florida’s Tramell Jones Jr. Delivers a Breakthrough Performance
While Texas struggled to find rhythm, Jones delivered a composed performance in his first career start. The Florida quarterback completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 10 times for 41 yards, repeatedly extending drives when the Gators needed stability.
Florida entered the matchup with the nation’s 110th-ranked defense, making the result even more surprising. The Gators also overcame a major historical trend: Florida had lost 45 consecutive games when trailing by at least a touchdown at halftime against a ranked opponent.
The victory ended Texas’ 22-game home winning streak against unranked teams. ESPN Research reported that the Longhorns suffered their largest home blown lead against an unranked opponent since a 1965 loss to Rice.
Texas Faces Urgent Offensive Questions
Texas ran just 50 offensive plays, its fewest since Sarkisian took over the program. The Longhorns struggled to sustain drives, and Sarkisian admitted he could not identify many positives from the second half.
“I don’t know what we did well in the second half, quite honestly,” he said. “Whether it was run or pass. We’re just trying to get a first down to get started.”
The situation became even more concerning when standout defender Colin Simmons left the game with a lower-leg injury in the third quarter. Simmons had recorded eight tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack before leaving. Sarkisian said he did not yet know the extent of the injury.
- Texas lost 27-24 to Florida at home.
- Arch Manning recorded 173 passing yards and one touchdown.
- Manning was sacked five times and lost a late fumble.
- Tramell Jones Jr. won his first career start for Florida.
- Sarkisian said the quarterback position and playcalling will be evaluated.
Sarkisian maintained that Texas has enough talent to perform at a much higher level. The challenge now is converting that potential into consistent execution before the Longhorns’ season slips further away.
“We’ve got a better team than we are right now,” Sarkisian said. “And it’s my job to figure out how to get us to play closer to, and then ultimately to, our potential.”
FAQs About the Steve Sarkisian Arch Manning Evaluation
Will Arch Manning remain Texas’ starting quarterback?
Sarkisian did not announce a quarterback change. He said the entire offense, including Manning and the playcalling, would be reviewed.
What happened in Texas’ loss to Florida?
Texas lost 27-24 after Florida overcame an early deficit. Jones played effectively, while the Longhorns struggled to sustain drives and protect Manning.
How did Arch Manning perform?
Manning passed for 173 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked five times and lost a late fumble that helped Florida secure the victory.
Who is Tramell Jones Jr.?
Jones is Florida’s quarterback who made his first career start in the upset. He passed for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding 41 rushing yards.
What did Steve Sarkisian say after the game?
Sarkisian said Texas would “evaluate everything,” including offensive strategy, personnel decisions and playcalling.
