Arch Manning going to Texas is a major game-changer (Texas finally back?)

With the news that Arch Manning has committed to the Texas Longhorns, it seems that the new Manning Era could user in a new era of Longhorns dominance. 

Arch Manning may have contemplated alternate futures at Alabama, LSU and Georgia, but the five-star quarterback recruit ultimately chose to attend the University of Texas. With his massive decision, he throws the weight of his talent and capability, as well as his family’s storied legacy, behind the Longhorns football program.

It’s something that Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was all for, especially after a dismal 5-7 season in his first year as head coach in Austin.

But this marks the beginning of what could be a beautiful relationship between Sarkisian and Manning, considering that Sarkisian was Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. During that time, Sarkisian oversaw the development of NFL quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones.

With Sarkisian’s NFL and CFB experience and Manning’s ability, it seems that Manning’s decision to choose Texas wasn’t as surprising as some believed it to be.

Arch Manning forges own path by choosing Texas: What it means for Longhorns

Although the youngest Manning in the family football dynasty has taken headlines by storm, claiming National Titles may be a bit premature.

Still, both Peyton and Eli Manning built NFL resumes while in college, which means that Arch could get the most out of his relationship with Sarkisian and attempt the same. With what Manning has already accomplished before his senior year of high school — and with his friend and fellow teammate Will Randle also committing to Texas — Arch walks into Texas with plenty of momentum.

According to national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna, Manning “displays above average athleticism and adequate mobility as a runner, increasing his rushing totals every season over the last three years.” That’s key in the collegiate game as teams craft offenses around mobile quarterbacks, and it’s an asset in the NFL as professional teams covet passers who can run when necessary.

In his scouting report, Manning has everyone one could want in a quarterback: an excellent arm, heightened pocket awareness, impressive accuracy and the ability to extend plays. Manning throws receivers open in high school, a skill that some quarterbacks haven’t even mastered at the NFL level. All that Manning really needs to work on is decision-making under pressure, but that’s something that pro quarterbacks spend their rookies years attempting to improve upon. As a high-schooler hoping to take DKR by storm in 2025, he has a great deal of time to become a historic college football player.

Already, Manning’s commitment is changing the college football landscape. 247 Sports estimated that Texas is now the No. 19 school, which is notable because they’ve only had eight commits thus far.

“Texas’ quality of commits is among the highest in college football so far,” wrote 247 Sports’ Robbie Weinstein.

Sarkisian’s record may have been disappointing, but his recruitments haven’t been. The head coach’s No. 5-ranked 2022 recruitment class “included six offensive linemen who were considered four-star prospects or higher,” per 247 Sports.

Sarkisian had an awful first year, but it was his first year with Texas. Even with Quinn Ewers in the locker room, Manning just elevated this program as it prepares to join college football’s toughest division.

If anyone can bring Texas back, it’s Arch Manning.