The landscape of college football is buzzing with intrigue, and much of it centers around the Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian. Currently leading Texas to the Cotton Bowl after back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, Sarkisian’s impressive feat of reviving the Longhorns has caught the attention of the NFL. Known for his offensive wizardry during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, the NFL’s allure for Sarkisian is understandable. But while Texas fans are celebrating their recent success, there’s a potential ripple effect that could shake their quarterback room.
Here’s where it gets fascinating: if Sarkisian decides to test the waters of an NFL head-coaching gig, this could potentially lead to Arch Manning reconsidering his commitment to Texas. Manning, the highly-touted quarterback, had expressed his desire to stay in Austin, expecting to eventually take over from Quinn Ewers. However, with the possibility of a coaching shift, the landscape could change dramatically.
Should Manning explore his options, several programs across the nation might eagerly await his decision:
- Georgia Bulldogs The Bulldogs stand at the forefront as serious contenders for any potential quarterback from Texas. With their strong program and previous interest in Manning, Georgia could provide an enticing opportunity. Given Sarkisian’s potential exit, Georgia might appeal to Manning with their SEC prowess and the familiar coaching pedigree of Kirby Smart, who has ties to Arch’s family legacy through the SEC.
- Alabama Crimson Tide Among Manning’s initial top choices from his high school days, Alabama continues to be a powerhouse, although they haven’t captured a national title since 2020. Led by Kalen DeBoer, whose expertise in maximizing quarterback potential is evident, the Crimson Tide could present a compelling case with their urgent need for a new quarterback following Jalen Milroe’s entry into the draft.
- Ole Miss Rebels A return to family roots could be on the table with Ole Miss, considering the deep Manning legacy at the university. Despite Lane Kiffin’s presence being a possible roadblock due to past conflicts with the Manning family’s interests, Ole Miss’s success in the transfer portal keeps them in the conversation.
- Michigan Wolverines Venturing into the Big Ten with Michigan might offer Manning a unique challenge. Known for their solid defensive play under Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines might benefit from Manning’s skills, despite potential branding concerns linked to family rivalries with Tom Brady’s alma mater.
- Miami Hurricanes With the departure of their star quarterback to the NFL, Miami is in search of new talent. The Hurricanes, featuring an intriguing offensive scheme under Shannon Dawson, could offer Manning a chance to make a significant impact in a winnable conference, provided they sweeten the deal appropriately.
The situation remains fluid, with Sarkisian’s decisions potentially setting off a chain reaction affecting one of college football’s most exciting talents. As the offseason unfolds, keep an eye on the moves within the Texas quarterback room – it could very well set the stage for a significant shift in the college football landscape.
