Arch Manning made several cameo appearances over the last two seasons, but Saturday night against UTSA, he stepped into the spotlight. Manning entered the game in the second quarter following an injury to Quinn Ewers, and it didn't take long for him to make his impression. On his first play from scrimmage, Manning hit DeAndre Moore for a 19-yard touchdown, and the crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium got an extended look at the future.
Manning finished the evening with 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9-for-12 passing, and he showed off his speed on a 67-yard rushing touchdown. The win vaulted Texas to No. 1 in the nation in this week's Associated Press Top 25 poll as Steve Sarkisian continues to build Texas into a national title contender. In many ways, landing Arch Manning was a sign that things had changed in Austin after a decade of mediocrity.
When Manning arrived as a high school freshman at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, he instantly became one of the most high-profile recruits in the country. Manning and his family kept their recruiting plans quiet during his first two years, but several schools emerged as favorites the following spring. Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia, and Texas were among the programs said to be favored by the family. While Texas seemed like it would be on the outside looking in initially, it became clear that Texas was a serious contender.
A big reason for that was the presence of Steve Sarkisian. While at Alabama, Sarkisian's offensive innovation and quarterback development were among the best in the country. Manning already had a childhood fondness for Texas, but the chance to play for Sarkisian put them in a prime position.
Though the Longhorns were headed for a 5-7 finish in the first year under Sarkisian, Manning felt he could be part of something that was building.
"I like Coach Sark a lot and his staff," Manning told 247Sports in April 2021. "I think they are going to get it going in the next few years, and I'm excited to see what they can do. Obviously, he's a freak of a coach with what he did at Alabama and the Falcons and everywhere else. He knows how to coach quarterbacks. He's actually just a real nice guy and really laid back, and I like him a lot."
As Manning moved into his junior season, Alabama and Georgia joined Texas at the top of the race. It was at that time we learned AJ Milwee was poised to play a pivotal role in the recruitment of the elite passer. When Sarkisian hired Milwee as his quarterbacks coach, many questioned his ability as a recruiter. Milwee is essentially an extension of Sarkisian and connected with Manning right away.
"I can relate to him because he's younger," Manning said. "It seems like we're friends almost. I like him a lot. He'd be a cool guy to get to play for. Hopefully, he doesn't get too many job offers and stays there. He's a good guy. I really like everyone I've met and have enjoyed building relationships and meeting different guys."
Going into his senior season, Manning visited Texas, Georgia, and Alabama and returned in the summer for official visits. Throughout the process, Manning was talking to other recruits from across the country, but from what we could tell, he spent most of his time talking to Texas targets like Connor Robertson and Johntay Cook. He'd also struck up a close friendship with Texas safety Michael Taaffe, who was a walk-on at the time.
After concluding his official visits, Manning made a simple commitment announcement on June 23, 2022, via Twitter. Quinn Ewers had transferred to Austin the previous spring, and questions arose about how long Manning would wait his turn. Throughout the process, Manning and his family talked about finding the right spot for his development and not being rash about immediate playing time.
Now Manning looks to be exactly where he thought he would, prepared to shine when his number is called and ready to solidify his place in the first family of quarterbacking. Manning will start this Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe, and he could start the SEC opener the following week against Mississippi State, depending on how Ewers' recovery goes. In a time when young players can simply transfer if they aren't seeing the playing time they want, Manning will be in position to assume the starting job next spring.