The Texas Longhorns once boasted two of college football’s most legendary quarterbacks, Vince Young and Colt McCoy, but then endured nearly a decade of instability at the position. Now, under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, quarterback play seems to be a non-issue.
The Texas program is thriving, holding the No. 1 ranking and the best odds to win the national title according to ESPN’s FPI. The quarterback role, once a major concern, is now a treasure trove of talent. Leading the way is Quinn Ewers, a projected first-round pick, who is having a standout season despite missing a couple of games due to injury.
During his absence, highly touted recruit Arch Manning had a chance to shine. Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli, played so well that he began to attract Heisman Trophy attention.
Sarkisian has demonstrated his ability to recruit and develop talent at an elite level, and even more skilled players are on the way.
The Longhorns have four-star quarterback KJ Lacey committed in their 2025 class and five-star quarterback Dia Bell leading their 2026 class. Both players shared on social media on Wednesday that they’ll be attending Texas’ game against No. 5 Georgia.
Though Lacey will arrive on campus before Bell, the American Heritage (FL) standout—son of former NBA star Raja Bell—is ranked as the No. 10 player in his class. He’s undoubtedly one of the top recruits traveling this weekend.
Bell has played varsity football and basketball since eighth grade, consistently delivering impressive performances. This season, he’s thrown for over 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also showcasing his mobility with over 230 rushing yards and a few touchdowns on the ground.
Both he and Lacey will have prime seats and an opportunity to experience firsthand the standard they’ll aim to uphold once they arrive at the 40 Acres.
