On Thursday, quarterback Arch Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023 and the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, committed to the Texas Longhorns.
The five-star QB chose “Hook Em” over the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss and others. Manning turned his back on the three schools where his family members starred. Peyton played for the Volunteers, Eli and grandfather Archie played for the Rebels.
By going in a completely different direction, Arch shows that he wants to make his own path. Manning took to Twitter to announce his decision and send a jolt to a Longhorns program that hasn’t been contenders since the Vince Young and Colt McCoy days of yesteryear.
The long-anticipated announcement was finally over.
“Committed to the University of Texas. “HookEm.”
Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K
— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022
Following the announcement, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian tweeted, “All Gas, No Brakes.”
That sounds like a hint describing the offensive philosophy of the Longhorns going forward.
In adding Manning, Sarkisian now has Quinn Ewers, the No. 1-ranked recruit from the class of 2021, and Maalik Murphy the No. 12-rated QB in the class of 2022.
In the history of the composite rankings there have been three quarterbacks to receive a perfect rating (1.000). All three have played for or will play for Texas. That last includes Manning, the aforementioned Ewers and Longhorns legend Vince Young.
Only two QBs have earned a perfect @247Sports composite rating
Texas has had both pic.twitter.com/VGHDNOPDCZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 14, 2021
Sarkisian’s Track Record With QBs Paid Off
While Sark’s first year in Austin wasn’t great — 5-7, including a home loss to Kansas — the feeling around Austin is the talented play-caller is going to get things moving in the right direction. Sark’s track record with quarterbacks speaks for itself. He coached Heisman winner Matt Leinart at USC.
He then played a huge role in the development of Alabama’s duo of Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. He even recruited reigning Heisman winner Bryce Young when he was head coach at USC. His role as Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator influenced Young flipping from USC.
Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli, is 6/6 in passing so far tonight ♨️ pic.twitter.com/uMaxnpVajf
— ESPN (@espn) October 16, 2020
The 6-foot-4 215-pounder has all the tools; a big arm, instincts, underrated mobility, and a cool, calm demeanor, much like his uncles Peyton and Eli, who each won two Super Bowl rings.
Manning’s high school coach at Isadore Newman High School in New Orleans, Nelson Stewart, said Manning made the choice on his own.
“He made the decision on his own. This was his decision to make. I’m just happy he’s where he needs to be. He’s an 18-year-old kid. There was a lot on his shoulders. Took his time and showed a lot of maturity.
“When it comes to that family, the choice was his.”
Arch Manning scrambles and lobs it up on 3rd and 5 👀 pic.twitter.com/cp0x1VOh1k
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 16, 2020
Manning Has Been Great In His First Three Years Of High School
In his first three seasons at Isadore Newman, Manning has passed for 5,731 yards and 72 touchdowns in the highest classification in the state of Louisiana. While many believe the Manning name played a role in Arch’s ascension, most coaches also believe because that Arch’s skill set is still worthy of being the top-ranked recruit in the nation.
Arch Manning 14/17 146 yards 1 TD— finds AJ Johnson to give Newman a 28-16 lead at the half 🏈 #Newman #Manning #highschoolfootball @aj2woo pic.twitter.com/q4fesJj78g
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) October 16, 2020
Manning will arrive in Austin in 2023 and compete for the starting job. If he doesn’t win it then he’ll be the starter in 2024. Manning is also destined to lead the Longhorns into the new era of SEC football in 2025, which will be his junior season and probably his last in college football.
