Arch Manning is not expected to transfer out of the University of Texas, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation— and common sense. Although Quinn Ewers may return to the program next fall, his decision (either way) should not have any impact on the five-star freshman’s future with the program.
There is a lot of time for things to change, and college football is fluid.
However, it would be a massive shock to everybody (including his own family) if Manning was to enter the transfer portal after his first year in Austin. It is not going to happen!
Archie Manning made an official declaration on his grandson’s future with the Longhorns as recently as last week. The Manning family is familiar with the virtue of patience.
Eli redshirted as a freshman at Ole Miss. He was a backup in year two. He was named the starter in year three.
Arch Manning is on a similar path.
The No. 1 overall prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2023 has yet to play a single snap this season. Barring unforeseen circumstance in form of a deep run to the College Football Playoff without Ewers or backup Maalik Murphy that requires him to play in five games, he will take a redshirt.
From there, one of four scenarios will unfold:
- Murphy transfers and Ewers returns.
- Manning would serve as Ewers’ backup as a redshirt freshman.
- Ewers enters the NFL Draft and Murphy returns.
- Manning would compete with Murphy for the starting job as a redshirt freshman.
- He may end up serving as the backup to Murphy.
- Ewers enters the NFL Draft and Murphy transfers.
- Manning would be thrust into the QB1 job.
- Manning transfers.
- Ewers or Murphy will start for Texas.
As of right now, the fourth scenario is not going to happen. Manning is not going to transfer.
LSU fans are extremely hopeful that he will change his mind and return home to Louisiana. He won’t.
Nothing has changed between Manning’s commitment and today. The goal was for him to develop at Texas under Steve Sarkisian after playing against inferior talent at a small high school program.
If he wanted to play right away, there were plenty of schools willing to offer him that opportunity.
Arch Manning will redshirt this year. He will likely serve as the backup to Ewers or Murphy next year.
And then it’s his team — as a redshirt sophomore like uncle Eli!