Sophomore KJ Lacey just locked up the backup quarterback spot for the Texas Longhorns, and if history is any guide, that’s a massive deal for the team’s entire season. The Longhorns’ backup QB has been pressed into action in nine of the last ten seasons, which makes Lacey’s strong showing against Texas State way more important than a typical mop-up performance.
Lacey’s Big Debut Shows Major Playmaking Ability
Arch Manning definitely put on a show in the season opener, throwing for 305 yards and four touchdowns before clocking out early in the third quarter of Texas’ 59-7 win over Texas State. But when the senior star stepped aside, Lacey took the reins and completely confirmed his QB2 status over Dia Bell and transfer MJ Morris. He didn’t just hand the ball off either! Lacey went 6-for-7 for 55 yards, rushed twice for three yards, and led the Longhorns on three scoring drives in their 52-point victory.
We’re talking about real plays here. On his first snap, Lacey faked a handoff, scrambled away from Texas State defensive lineman Jo’Laison Landry, and flung an off-balance 18-yard pass to Jermaine Bishop Jr. Later, he dropped a dime down the sidelines that led to an acrobatic catch by Sterling Berkhalter. Coach Steve Sarkisian himself said Lacey “definitely has play-making ability.” Even Manning praised him, calling Lacey “a gamer” who “can make stuff happen.” This dude’s got it.
From Four-Star Prospect to Game-Time Gamer
Lacey, rocking the No. 9 jersey he wore in high school, was a four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Last season, he was third-string and attempted just one pass, making the Texas State game his first real taste of collegiate action. Former Texas receiver Parker Livingstone once said the 6-foot, 188-pound Lacey “can extend the plays very well. He’s fast. I see him as a Bryce Young-kind of guy.” That’s high praise! To step in and perform like he did after such limited experience? That’s the stuff you love to see.
Why the QB2 Role Is Absolutely Critical
Look, nobody wants to think about their starting quarterback missing time, but Texas fans better be paying attention to this QB2 situation. It’s not just a hypothetical; the Longhorns’ backup quarterback has been needed in nine of the last ten seasons. Tyrone Swoopes had a whole package of plays for him in 2016. Casey Thompson was promoted from backup just two games into the 2021 season. And Texas had their starting quarterback miss games due to injuries in 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024. That’s a pattern, not an anomaly.
So yeah, Lacey isn’t just a bench warmer. He’s an insurance policy, a potential game-changer, and a crucial piece of this Longhorns squad. Knowing they have a playmaker like Lacey ready to go if needed means the team can breathe a little easier heading into huge matchups, like their upcoming game when Ohio State and Texas take center stage in one of the season’s top games. This season is already looking wild, and Lacey’s emergence is a huge part of the early story.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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