Arch Manning is not going anywhere. The No. 1 overall prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2023 will be a Texas Longhorn next season and will be a freshman, again.
Archie Manning, his legendary grandfather, made an official declaration on the five-star quarterback’s future in Austin. It marked the first time that anything has been said publicly — and definitively — about what was already assumed.
Archie spoke with Chris Rosovolou of The Spun and revealed that Arch is content with his decision despite not playing a single snap (yet) this season. His path to playing time next fall is also unclear.
Quinn Ewers may or may not return. Maalik Murphy is waiting in the wings.
Despite all of the questions about when Arch Manning may finally get on the field, there is no rush among he or the Manning family. He is not going to transfer.
Patience is something for which they are familiar.
Peyton saw time in all 11 games at Tennessee as a freshman. Eli did not start until year three at Ole Miss.
Archie believes that Arch may benefit from following a similar path as the latter, which he is.
Every situation is different. If you remember, Peyton and Eli went to school early for spring training.
Peyton got thrown in for his first game as a freshman. He played a great deal that season. Tennessee had a great offensive line and two really good running backs, so that allowed him to work into it.
Eli had what I think is the best course. He redshirt his first year, was a backup in his second year, and then started in his third year.
— Archie Manning
The talent gap between Isidore Newman, the Manning’s high school in New Orleans, and college football is pretty significant. There was always going to be a learning curve with Arch.
He knows that. Archie knows that.
I think it’s a big jump. Arch played 2A Football, as did Peyton and Eli. Every situation is different.
— Archie Manning
Although Archie has not yet been to Austin, the Manning family is close. The patriarch knows what’s going on with his sons and grandsons. It sounds like Arch is really thriving.
Arch is happy with the decision he made. All the reports we get is that he’s doing well.
— Archie Manning
Archie then proceeded to reveal what everybody already kind of knew about his grandson. Even if Arch plays in four games before season’s end (three regular season games, a potential Big 12 Championship, and a bowl game remain), he can get that year of eligibility back— and he will.
He’s going to get a redshirt out of this year, and I think that’s important.
— Archie Manning
There you have it!
Arch Manning is glad he chose Texas over Georgia and Ole Miss. He will redshirt this year. He will not transfer.
As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Arch will battle with Murphy for the starting job if Ewers does not return.