Episode Details

Who Backs Up Arch?/ Texas Longhorns LIVE 89

Episode 149 Published 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Opening & National Championship Odds (FanDuel Sponsored)

Texas listed at +700 to win the 2026 national title (tied with Ohio State & Indiana).
Notre Dame favored at +650.
Hosts note it's early and hard to project, but Texas, Notre Dame, and Oregon feel like "all-in" teams for 2026.
Oregon viewed as just behind the top group.

Josh Pate's Current Top 10 Programs Ranking Pate's list (using 3-year sample):

Key discussion points:

Ohio State & Georgia clearly 1–2 (widely agreed).
Indiana at #3 surprising but justified post-national title under Curt Cignetti (essentially a 2-year sample now).
Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame seen as very close (hosts split hairs; one prefers Texas > Oregon due to better big-game performances and head-to-head context vs. Ohio State).
Alabama at #7 feels high under Kalen DeBoer (one playoff win vs. weak Oklahoma; blown out by Indiana); hosts would swap Miami & Alabama (better roster construction under Cristobal).
Texas at #5 viewed as fair/solid (could argue top 4); late spots (8–10) are murkier.
Texas Tech highlighted as underrated (spends massively, in talent-rich state → should be top 8–10).

Who Backs Up Arch Manning in 2026? (Week 1 & Longer-Term)Main candidates:

KJ Lacey (most experience in system, most backup reps behind Arch).
MJ Morris (experienced transfer, more athletic/run-oriented; added as safety net to avoid huge drop-off).
D'Abel (talented but recovering from prior injuries; likely redshirt/developmental year).

Host opinions:

Tommy: KJ Lacey starts season as #2 (most comfortable); could rotate later (possibly D'Abel by end of year).
Matthew: Leans MJ Morris early/Week 1 (values experience when "live bullets" are flying); KJ Lacey or D'Abel more likely long-term.
New redshirt rule (play up to 9 games without burning it) increases flexibility.
Spring game will be key tryout (Arch likely sits out).
MJ Morris also valuable in practice as scout-team mobile QB lookalike.

Top 5 QBs Texas Will Face in 2026 (Both Hosts Largely Agree)

John Mateer (Oklahoma) — Big arm/athletic, but inconsistent mechanics & decision-making.

2. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) — Improved pocket throws possible under new OC; scheme fit question.

3. Sam Leavitt (LSU) — Frantic/electric playmaker, strong arm, negates rush; health con