The college football world is always buzzing with speculation, and the latest theory making the rounds is a blockbuster: Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, could leave for an NFL coaching job. Adding fuel to the fire, this move could set off a ripple effect, with Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback recruit, transferring to another program.
If this scenario plays out, it would shake the foundations of both Texas football and the broader college football landscape. Let’s break down why it’s possible, what it means, and how it could change the trajectory of the Longhorns and Manning’s career.
Sarkisian’s NFL Appeal
Steve Sarkisian’s offensive acumen has been well-documented. From his days as an assistant with Alabama, where he orchestrated one of the most dominant offenses in college football history, to his work at Texas, Sark has shown he can build and execute elite offensive systems.
NFL teams are always on the lookout for innovative offensive minds, and Sark’s pedigree makes him an attractive candidate. His ability to maximize quarterback potential and modernize playbooks fits the current trend of NFL coaching hires. If an NFL team comes knocking with a lucrative offer and a chance to lead at the highest level, it’s easy to see why Sarkisian might listen.
The Arch Manning Factor
Arch Manning, the scion of football royalty, committed to Texas with the expectation that Sarkisian would be his head coach and mentor. Sark’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer played a significant role in Manning’s decision, and his departure would undoubtedly raise questions about Arch’s future in Austin.
With the transfer portal now a central part of college football, Manning would have plenty of options should he choose to leave. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, or even Ole Miss—where his uncle Eli starred—could all emerge as potential destinations. Wherever Arch goes, his decision would have massive implications, not just for Texas but for the entire college football landscape.
What This Means for Texas
Losing both Sarkisian and Manning would be a seismic blow for the Longhorns. Texas has been building momentum, aiming to reclaim its status as a college football powerhouse. Sark has helped lay the foundation, and Manning was expected to be the centerpiece of that resurgence.
A coaching change would force Texas into damage control mode, scrambling to find a replacement capable of stabilizing the program and keeping other recruits in the fold. The Longhorns’ ability to navigate such a transition would be a true test of their resilience and long-term vision.
NFL and College Football: A New Dynamic
If Sarkisian makes the leap to the NFL, it would continue a growing trend of college coaches being lured to the pros. The NFL’s increasing reliance on college-style offenses has made the transition smoother for offensive-minded coaches like Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Rhule (despite his struggles), and others. Sark’s proven ability to adapt and innovate could make him a standout in the NFL coaching ranks.
For Manning, transferring would spotlight the evolving power of the transfer portal, which has given players unprecedented control over their careers. His decision could set a new precedent for high-profile recruits navigating coaching changes.
Final Thoughts
The idea of Steve Sarkisian leaving Texas for the NFL and Arch Manning transferring may still be in the realm of speculation, but it’s a scenario worth considering. If it happens, it would send shockwaves through both college and professional football, altering the trajectories of the Longhorns, the NFL team that hires Sark, and wherever Arch Manning lands.
For now, Texas fans can only hope that Sarkisian stays the course and Manning fulfills his potential in burnt orange. But as we’ve learned in the ever-changing landscape of football, anything is possible. And if this dramatic chain of events unfolds, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories in the sport.
