As of June 23rd, 2022, Arch Manning is a Longhorn. The five-star recruit from Isadore Normal School in New Orleans, Louisiana, committed to Texas over two other collegiate football powerhouses: the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, and the Georgia University Bulldogs. Why would he choose Texas over Georgia, the defending national champions, and the Crimson Tide, winners of six of the last 12 national championships? Finally, what does the pressure that comes with the ‘Manning’ last name mean to the probable red-shirt quarterback?
Arch Manning in Texas?
After winning only five games in 2021, the Texas Longhorns seemed like one of the last ‘big name’ teams Manning would choose. Especially knowing that both his uncles, NFL Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli Manning, spent their college football careers in the SEC. Manning family history being what it is, many might question Arch joining a BIG12 team instead of one of his predecessors’ SEC alma maters. However, according to an article by David Cobb, the Longhorns are to join the SEC in 2025. If Arch does get red-shirted his first year as a Longhorn, then he would potentially be the undisputed starter during their SEC debut.
Manning is far from the favorite as of right now to start his freshman year. Quinn Ewers was named the starting QB over the 2021 season starter Hudson Card. Ewers was a 2021, five-star recruit out of Carrol Senior High School. He originally committed to Ohio State to become a Buckeye. After backing up third year QB C.J. Stroud in Ohio State for his first season, he spent the following December in the transfer portal deciding between the Longhorns and the A&M Aggies. Quinn was finally transferred to the orange and white on Dec. 3rd, 2021. Ewers is one of only two quarterbacks to receive a perfect recruiting score from 247sports ever.
Ewers will most likely declare for the draft assuming all things go well for him in the 2023 season. That is of course, if he doesn’t declare after the 2022 season. Which likely leaves Arch Manning as QB1 in 2024.
Stepping Up to the Legacy
Having four Super Bowl wins between the two, Eli and Peyton Manning need no introduction. How do you live up to that expectation though without even playing in a collegiate football game yet? In an interview with Sam Spiegelman, a National Recruiting Analyst, Manning was asked about that exact question. “Obviously it’s a big last name, but I had to keep it more about the team. Winning the team over was my biggest goal…that I get the starting job.” Arch replied.
It’s obvious to see that Arch has taken kindly to the teachings from his cousins about leadership and it’s importance. How will he fair on the field though? Even with 80 touchdowns to only 19 INT’s in his high school career, he has everything to prove on the turf of Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium. Living up to family expectations is one thing, but keeping up with your own is something I think the young stud will need to understand before he finds the success I think we all know he’s capable of.
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