Why did Arch Manning commit to Texas? How Longhorns won out over offers from Alabama, Georgia, many more

Arch Manning made several cameo appearances over the last two seasons, but Saturday night against UTSA, he stepped into the spotlight. Manning entered the game in the second quarter following an injury to Quinn Ewers, and it didn’t take long for him to make his impression. On his first play from scrimmage, Manning hit DeAndre Moore for a 19-yard touchdown, and the crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium got an extended look at the future.

Manning finished the evening with 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9-for-12 passing, and he showed off his speed on a 67-yard rushing touchdown. The win vaulted Texas to No. 1 in the nation in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll as Steve Sarkisian continues to build Texas into a national title contender. In many ways, landing Arch Manning was a sign that things had changed in Austin after a decade of mediocrity.

When Manning arrived as a high school freshman at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, he instantly became one of the most high-profile recruits in the country. Manning and his family kept their recruiting plans quiet during his first two years, but several schools emerged as favorites the following spring. Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia, and Texas were among the programs said to be favored by the family. While Texas seemed like it would be on the outside looking in initially, it became clear that Texas was a serious contender.

A big reason for that was the presence of Steve Sarkisian. While at Alabama, Sarkisian’s offensive innovation and quarterback development were among the best in the country. Manning already had a childhood fondness for Texas, but the chance to play for Sarkisian put them in a prime position.

Though the Longhorns were headed for a 5-7…

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Author : Mike Roach

Publish date : 2024-09-20 17:24:44

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