Owens is a big-armed former four-star recruit who saw a few snaps last season as a true freshman. Lacey, a four-star recruit from the 2025 class, was Mr. Football in the state of Alabama last year. Then there's Bell, a top 10 player in the 2026 class and someone who, by 2027, will be a redshirt freshman in Austin.

Regardless of whether Arch Manning remains in college for his senior season, next year’s draft is considered deep at quarterback. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Penn State’s Drew Allar are among the top prospects.

Ahead of Arch Manning’s first season as Texas’ full-time starting quarterback, speculation has swirled about whether the former No. 1 overall recruit could declare for the 2026 NFL Draft