Arch Manning's struggles at Texas are reaching a potential crossroads.

While Manning still projects as Texas' starting quarterback, Texas is expected to give an uptick in first-team quarterback reps to redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. this week in practice, per ESPN sources.

The uptick in Lacey's reps is a signal that Texas could replace Manning if he continues to struggle. The shift in reps indicates a greater possibility of Lacey coming in the game when No. 19 Texas hosts No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday.

Texas is 5-2 after losses in back-to-back games against Oklahoma and Florida. The Longhorns also possess two high-end wins -- home against now No. 3 Ohio State and at No. 11 Tennessee.

Manning played poorly against Oklahoma, throwing two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions that cost Texas the game. He also struggled against Florida, completing 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards. He also fumbled in the final two minutes, which allowed Florida to seal a comeback win.

Sarkisian said afterward that the Longhorns had an open receiver on the play, but that Manning didn't see him.

"I think on that play, our protection might've been OK," Sarkisian said. "I think [Manning] might have been a little quick to kind of drop his eyes. He had Emmett Mosley, who's the primary [receiver]. We thought the ball could have got out."

When asked about Texas' struggles after the game, Steve Sarkisian said that everything would be evaluated. When asked specifically about Manning, he said, "everything means everything."

Sarkisian mentioned that "nobody was perfect" on offense, as Texas' offensive line has struggled and the Longhorn run game is third worst in the SEC. Texas is No. 13 in both rushing yards per game (135.0) and yards per carry (3.6).

Manning entered the year as one of the faces of college football and an ESPN poll of NFL scouts ranked him the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the sport.

Manning is No. 10 in the SEC in completion percentage (63.9%) and has five interceptions. His 11 touchdown passes rank him No. 9 in the league.

Lacey is an intriguing prospect who has nine career pass attempts. Sarkisian said at SEC media days that Lacey has "a lot of qualities that remind me of [Carolina Panthers quarterback] Bryce Young."

Lacey is 6 feet, 188 pounds and brings a reputation as a prolific passer. He's the No. 2 high school passer in Alabama history with 10,985 yards.

ESPN's Dave Wilson contributed to this report.