Every year seeing where the top high school football players will commit is something of a spectacle. This year is even more amplified with the next generation of the greatest family in football, making the leap to the college game for the 2023 season. Arch Manning is the number one prospect in the country according to almost every major sports outlet and he finally made a decision.
In a subtle six word tweet, the highly touted quarterback from Louisiana committed to Steve Sarkisian and The University of Texas Longhorns. For all intents and purposes changing the landscape of college football for the next handful of years. When you manage to land the number one player in a class, it will pique the interest of other elite recruits. When that players last name is Manning, it could open the flood gates.
Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K
— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022
Arch Manning’s decision wasn’t earth shattering, he had been courted by Texas for quite some time. To say it was a slam dunk pairing would also be a fallacy though. There were reports he would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather/namesake and uncle Eli; playing for Ole Miss. Other reports had him taking up his uncle Peyton’s mantle at Tennessee. Pair that with buzz from Clemson, Alabama and defending National Champs Georgia; and it was really anyones race to win.
While everyone knows there is a certain level of nepotism in the sports world, this simply isn’t the case with Manning. He has great size, a rifle for an arm, uncanny play recognition for his age, and unlike his famous uncles; is quite the athlete in the open field. What I’m saying is that even without the famous last name, this kid would be the number one recruit in America. He has been generating buzz since the 8th grade and has elevated his game yearly to cement himself as the crown jewel of his class.
This decision doesn’t come without a few questions though. First and foremost, in todays age of college football; one can assume there was a major NIL deal in play mildly swaying his choice. Nothing has been reported so far, but it’s a fair assumption that Arch will be getting a handsome sum for his commitment.
Secondly, how will this affect The Longhorns on the recruiting trail, especially in regards to getting talent at the skill positions. When you get a generational talent, other players will follow; especially when the generational talent is at the most important position in sports. Could this signing revitalize Texas and make them a premier program once more ahead of their move to the SEC?
Lastly and most important, how does this effect new transfer and 2021 top prospect Quinn Ewers? The job is certainly his to lose for the 2022 season. His talent level and pedigree all but assure that. If Ewers lives up to the hype and leads Texas to a conference title, NY6 game or the College Football Playoffs; it’ll be hard to justify him being unseated as “the guy” in the 2023 season. With a QB as game ready as Arch Manning, wouldn’t it be a waste for him to sit for a year? Will this commitment make Ewers a malcontent? He already transferred once from Ohio State after a historic season by CJ Stroud.
Putting those factors to the side, this signing is one for the record books. It’s going to be a joy to watch if Arch can live up to the family name for one of the most prestigious programs in all of college football. Excitement lies ahead for not only every Longhorn fan, but for the college football world.