It was an enormous deal when the #1 high school recruit in the country, Arch Manning, committed to the Texas Longhorns.
Coming from football royalty, the excitement surrounding Manning’s decision to head to Austin was off the charts.
Fast forward to now, we have yet to see him take a meaningful snap in the burnt orange.
However, there’s a damn good reason for that … Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers has been largely fantastic and has kept the Longhorns in the Playoff picture.
Ewers did however miss some time with injury. Instead of turning to Manning, head coach Steve Sarkisian handed the ball to backup Maalik Murphy, which angered some fans wanting to see Arch.
Now Ewers is back, and Manning’s 2023 season will most likely end up being a redshirt year.
But does that mean we will see Manning take the field next season? … Maybe not.
There are reports that Ewers is considering returning to Texas for the 2024 season. That would be a bit of a surprise due to the fact that he’s expected to be a first round pick in the coming draft.
If Ewers does indeed come back, Manning may have to wait yet another year to play.
Unless he transfers that is…
According to NFL Rookie Watch, the four best fits for Manning if he were to transfer would be: LSU, USC, Ohio State, and Alabama.
Arch Manning is likely NOT going anywhere despite the recent Quinn Ewers news.
But if he was to transfer, these would be the best fits for him.
LSU: Jayden Daniels is leaving, Manning could become QB1 instantly.
USC: Caleb Williams is leaving and Lincoln Riley runs a NFL QB… pic.twitter.com/LFLpoNR6Ma
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) November 14, 2023
The account pointed out potential vacancies at LSU and USC, with Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams expected to move on to the NFL.
Additionally, it questioned the long-term viability of Ohio State’s Kyle McCord and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe in their respective roles, potentially making them attractive destinations for Manning.
LSU, in particular, could hold sentimental value for Manning as a New Orleans native.
(Also, you can’t discount Ole Miss and Tennessee due to the Manning family ties…)
Having said all of this, it’s hard to imagine Manning transferring … His family keeps reiterating his commitment to the Texas program.
Even if Ewers returns, which is an enormous IF, the chances of Manning transferring are probably slim.
What do you think will end up happening?
Will Ewers return to Texas for the 2024 season?
If he does, will Manning transfer? … Should he? … To where???