Main Story

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte says the program is “phenomenal” and insists “Rome is not burning,” even as the No. 19 Longhorns face mounting pressure after consecutive losses. Coach Steve Sarkisian is sticking with Arch Manning at quarterback and will continue calling plays as Texas prepares to host No. 7 Ole Miss.

By the Numbers
  • Texas is 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play.
  • The Longhorns have lost two straight games by 27-24 scores.
  • Texas averages 22.7 points per game against SEC opponents; Manning has thrown 5 interceptions in 6 starts.
  • Colin Simmons, who has 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, is expected to miss Saturday’s game.
Yes, But

Del Conte says expectations remain high and the concern outside the program exceeds the anxiety inside it. But Texas entered the season with national-title ambitions, and another playoff miss is a real risk after last year’s failure to reach the CFP.

State of Play
  • Sarkisian has reaffirmed Manning as the starter despite backup KJ Lacey Jr. getting more first-team practice reps.
  • Sarkisian says he will keep calling plays while evaluating the offense, including his own performance and Manning’s.
  • Texas hosts Ole Miss, which is 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC, with its playoff hopes under pressure.
What's Next

Saturday’s matchup will test whether Texas can halt its slide and steady its offense against a ranked SEC opponent. A third straight loss would intensify scrutiny of Sarkisian’s decisions and Manning’s starting role.

Bottom Line

Del Conte is projecting calm, but Texas needs results: the Longhorns’ playoff ambitions now hinge on turning confidence in Manning and Sarkisian into better execution.