Texas Longhorns fans rejoiced Thursday afternoon with the breaking news that five-star quarterback and No. 1 overall prospect in 2023, Arch Manning, had committed to become a Longhorn. While Manning was recruited by multiple top schools in the country, Texas getting Manning could drastically alter the future of college football. Josh Pate of 247Sports explained more on CBS Sports HQ with Bud Elliott.
“This is going to send ripple effects throughout the entirety of college football,” Pate said. “Georgia was in this, Alabama was in this, but ultimately — you probably agree with me — I don’t know that there was any program out there that thought they needed Arch Manning more than the University of Texas, and they got him.”
A five-star prospect and the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, Manning was being highly sought after by many schools around the country, with Alabama and Georgia being two of the schools that were also close to landing his commitment. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, thus justifying the increased attention he got during his recruitment.
Cooper Petagna, a national recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, recently evaluated Manning at the start of the month. Petagna gave a lengthy assessment of Manning’s ability, part of which can be read below. In addition to his analysis, Petagna projects Manning to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft one day.
“Displays excellent arm talent, showing the ability to make every throw on the field within the pocket,” Petagna wrote. “Shows the ability to drive the ball down the field and play with velocity. Excels as an intermediate passer, displaying the ability to consistently deliver the ball accurately and on time while playing with anticipation. Throws an exceptional deep ball, flashing outstanding touch and ball placement allowing him to throw his receivers open.
“… In addition to possessing all the physical tools desired at the quarterback position, Manning plays the game with exceptional intuition and awareness, showing the ability to command and navigate the game at a very high level. Entering his fourth season as a starter as a senior at Newman, Manning figures to be prepared to make an immediate impact at the next level. Projects as an all-american prospect at the next level with the potential to have his name be one of the first called in the NFL Draft.
Texas is expected to play former five-star and Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers at quarterback during the 2022 season. Manning has not yet announced if he will enroll early at Texas.
