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College football fans are reacting to recent claims made by Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian. The statements center around five-star freshman quarterback Arch Manning.
More specifically, the head coach referenced just how much money Manning has made since enrolling at the university.
In the new world of college athletics, providing student-athletes with a solid NIL future is key in securing commitments. Whether you agree with it or not, the potential of making instant cash can influence a prospect’s decision.
Recruits compare offers, and even leverage them when talking to schools competing for their commitments. We recently saw freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada commit to Miami before flipping his pledge to rival Florida on the heels of a $13 million offer, though it eventually fell through.
The same is true for potential transfers, as more and more players test the waters just to see what’s out there. In some cases, they return to the original school. In others, they leave for greener pastures.
It just goes to show the power NIL holds in the decision-making process.
But according to Steve Sarkisian, NIL had no influence on Arch Manning’s commitment to the Longhorns. This week, he revealed the amount of money his freshman phenom has pulled in during his time in Austin.
That number is surprisingly low. In fact, Sarkisian shockingly said that Manning’s yet to make a dollar on name, image, and likeness.
“Zero,” Sarkisian said. “It’s not about NIL. He’s taken zero money.”
This news comes with Manning sitting near the top of On3’s college football NIL Valuation ($3.2M).
Sarkisian went further to say that it was a family decision. Apparently, the Mannings agreed that Arch wouldn’t receive a dime of NIL money until he was starting under center.
Steve Sarkisian reiterated that Arch Manning took no NIL money to come play quarterback at Texas. Said his grandpa (Archie) and dad (Cooper) wouldn’t allow that, anyway. Sarkisian said Archie told Arch he could start accepting money when he’s actually playing QB.
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) April 26, 2023
Fans have been quick to react.
Some have posted sarcastic remarks to the head coach’s response.
Tough break, didn’t come from a wealthy family at all
— David Soderquist (@GettinSwamped) April 26, 2023
This is especially brave with them having to work paycheck to paycheck like they do. Hopefully this kid can drag them all out of poverty.
— Lance (@SportsGuyLance) April 26, 2023
Others don’t believe the claims at all.
— Sarge (@CanesSarge) April 26, 2023
🧢
— Sofia’s Dad (@ChicosDadd) April 26, 2023
If true, it doesn’t appear Arch Manning will be making much NIL money this season. He currently sits at third on the Texas depth chart behind starter Quinn Ewers and reserve Maalik Murphy.
His spring game performance unfortunately showed just how far he still has to go.
Still, it should give Manning a chance to learn in the offense without having the pressure to perform right away. When the time comes, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to make some money off the field.