Rumored Browns QB Prospect Is In Danger Of Being Benched

The Cleveland Browns have been linked to college quarterback Arch Manning for a couple of years now. In fact, it is reasonable to believe that if Manning had declared for last year’s NFL Draft, the Browns would have done whatever it took to trade up to get him, perhaps all the way to No. 1 overall.

Now, despite owner Jimmy Haslam’s reported interest in him, the Browns may decide to look elsewhere for their franchise QB of the future. That’s because instead of improving with another year at Texas, Manning may be getting worse.

So much so, the rumored Browns QB prospect is in danger of being benched after another uneven performance in a 27-24 upset loss to Florida on Saturday.

“Sources: Texas is expected to give an up-tick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice. Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter. The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle,” Pete Thamel of ESPN posted.

Sources: Texas is expected to give an up-tick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice. Arch Manning still projects as the Texas starter. The uptick in Lacey’s reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to… pic.twitter.com/OPOQQy0dcE

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 19, 2026

Manning helped Texas take a 17-3 first-half lead, and after Florida pulled ahead, he rallied his team back within a field goal. But while trying to lead a potential game-winning drive, he was sacked and lost a fumble.

The week before, Manning threw two fourth-quarter interceptions in a 27-24 upset loss to Oklahoma. With two straight losses to unranked opponents, Texas has fallen from No. 1 in the AP poll to 19th and could be in danger of missing the College Football Playoff.

Meanwhile, Manning’s stock may be falling even faster than that, as some recent mock drafts do not even include him in the first round. With the division-leading Browns now unlikely to pick in the top 10, or maybe in the top 20, this could be good news for them if they still believe Manning can be their long-term answer at the position.

However, based on his play, Manning may decide to return for another season in college. Or, if he does enter the draft, he may become too much of a risk for the Browns to consider, with many other talented QB prospects likely to be available.

This is a perfect example of how fortunes can change very quickly in this sport, for both the Browns and Manning so far this season.