Arch Manning chose Texas: why he picked them over rivals

JUMP TO: 

• Why did Arch Manning go to Texas?
• Arch Manning recruitment timeline
• Arch Manning recruiting finalists
• Why didn't Arch Manning transfer from Texas?

The Manning family's tradition of exceptional quarterbacking, established by Archie, Peyton, and Eli, is being carried on by Texas signal-caller Arch Manning, a highly anticipated prospect of the 21st century.

Manning's potential extends beyond his surname; he possesses the innate throwing talent and offensive command necessary to potentially transform an NFL team's trajectory, provided his development continues favorably. During his inaugural season as a starter in the 2025 college football campaign, Manning has demonstrated the promise that propelled him to elite recruit status.

Upon graduating high school, his exceptional talent was evident. Manning was broadly recognized as the premier player in the 2023 graduating class. Therefore, what led him to decide on joining the Longhorns?

Here's what you need to know regarding Manning's college recruitment, covering the context of his commitment to Texas, the sequence of events in his recruitment process, other schools that were finalists for Manning, and the reasons the standout quarterback has not transferred.

MORE: Ranking the 15 greatest Texas players of all time

What led Arch Manning to choose Texas?

From his very first year in high school, Manning held the position of starting varsity quarterback at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. He also quickly emerged as one of the nation's most sought-after recruits, though Manning and his family chose to keep his official recruitment process confidential for a period. 

Manning ultimately opted to play at Texas, choosing it over several other prominent programs, with head coach Steve Sarkisian being a key factor in the quarterback's choice. Despite the Longhorns' 5-7 record under Sarkisian during his inaugural 2021 season, Manning was drawn to the head coach's offensive history and his success coaching quarterbacks at Alabama. 

Prior to his tenure with The Longhorns, Sarkisian held the position of offensive coordinator for The Crimson Tide starting in 2019-2020, where he coached future NFL signal-callers Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. The rapport established between Sarkisian, his quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee, and the highly sought-after recruit Manning was instrumental in Manning's decision to commit to Texas.

MORE: Meet Arch Manning's dad, older brother to Peyton and Eli

Manning prioritized the coaches he'd play under above other recruitment factors, such as an immediate starting role or NIL compensation.

“I don’t think it’s about money right now," Manning said in December 2023, per USA Today. "I want to develop from Sark. I was told that good things happen to people who work hard and put their head down, and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Texas' quarterback situation was already strong when Manning committed, featuring Quinn Ewers, a highly talented player nationally. Ewers held the starting position from 2022 through 2024, while Manning anticipated his opportunity to direct the Texas offense. He saw some action when Ewers faced injuries in 2024, subsequently taking over as the primary starter in 2025.

MORE: How fast is Arch Manning? Inside QB's top speed compares to Peyton and Eli

Arch Manning's recruitment timeline

Manning, recognized as one of the nation's most renowned high school football talents and a recruit capable of transforming a program, along with his family, maintained a discreet approach to his recruitment throughout his initial high school years. He turned down early scholarship proposals and also kept his Instagram account private, accessible only to his friends and coaches.

By the summer of 2021, when Manning was set to enter his junior season at Isidore Newman School, offers from big-name schools came rolling in as the quarterback took unofficial visits. Per 247Sports, Manning first visited Texas unofficially in June 2021, later visiting a second and third time in October 2021 and March 2022.

Manning rose to become the top recruit in the 2023 class, as recognized by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals. During the summer break between his junior and senior years of high school, he made an official visit and committed to Texas, publicly declaring his intention to play for The Longhorns on June 23, 2022.

Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K

— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022

Manning concluded his high school tenure that autumn with a 34-9 win-loss record, accumulating 8,599 passing yards, 115 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions across four seasons at Isidore Newman, per his Texas roster page. He additionally amassed 1,155 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating a dual-threat capability that enhanced his status as a well-rounded prospect.

In December 2022, Manning officially committed to Texas by signing his letter of intent, and he's currently in his second year with the team.

MORE: Why is Matthew McConaughey a Texas fan?

Arch Manning's top recruiting choices

Naturally, numerous programs sought to recruit Manning. While some might have presented greater NIL compensation or a guaranteed starting role, his choice to commit to the Longhorns was primarily influenced by the coaching staff. 

Per ESPN, Manning was offered a scholarship by the following programs: Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, SMU, Stanford, Tennessee, and USC.

Manning was a highly sought-after recruit, considered by many to be the best prospect in his graduating class. Ultimately, his choices narrowed to three prominent programs: Alabama, Georgia, and Texas.

Even with The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs' more recent achievements, Manning relocated to Texas. 

MORE: Complete list of Heisman Trophy winners by year

Arch Manning stayed at Texas: Why?

Despite having enough talent to go start elsewhere if he truly desired to, Manning has stayed at Texas through two seasons, slotted behind Ewers on the program's quarterback depth chart.

In today's college football environment, many top athletes move for fresh prospects, yet Manning has expressed no desire to depart from The Longhorns. He and his relatives have prioritized honoring his initial commitment to Texas and patiently progressing as the team's QB2 to foster his growth. His uncle, the renowned former Colts and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, remarked on "The Pat McAfee Show" during September 2024 that he admires Arch's approach to his circumstances at Texas.

"I'm proud of Arch. I'm proud of him," Manning said, per Sports Illustrated. "Most kids probably wouldn't have stayed in that situation. He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college and play for (Steve) Sarkisian... Most of the right reasons you should choose a college. I'm glad he's staying there. He and Quinn (Ewers) have a great relationship and I think Quinn is going to have a great year."

MORE: Revisiting Lee Corso's coaching timeline

This 2024 season, Manning has had two chances to start because Ewers was injured. Across four games played, he achieved 901 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, two interceptions, and three rushing touchdowns.

Manning has taken over the Longhorns' offense in 2025 with national championship aspirations.

MORE: Get to know Arch Manning's family tree