Top Recruit, Football Royalty Arch Manning Announces College Choice

Manning is the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Canton-bound superstars Peyton and Eli Manning. He was the consensus No. 1 recruit from the class of 2023, and on Thursday chose the Longhorns over Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Clemson.

Manning’s father, Cooper, played wide receiver at Ole Miss. Uncle Peyton Manning starred at University of Tennessee before going on to becoming one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time, while Eli Manning played at Ole Miss before an illustrious NFL career that saw him win two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.

The decision gives Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian a huge win following a dismal 5-7 debut season last year and could prompt more blue-chip prep stars to commit to Austin.

The 6-foot, 4-inch, 215-pound signal caller has one more season at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, where he is also a three-year letterman off the defending state champion boys basketball team. In three years as the school’s starting quarterback, Manning has thrown for 6,307 yards and 81 touchdowns while rushing for another 18 scores. Last year, Manning led his team to a Newman to a 7-3 record and a Louisiana Division III state semifinal appearance.

A scouting report by analyst Cooper Petagna of 24/7 Sports raves about Manning.

“Displays excellent arm talent, showing the ability to make every throw on the field within the pocket,” reads the report. “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.”

Manning family patriarch Archie, now 73, played at Ole Miss like two of his sons before a 13-year NFL career, most of which was spent with the New Orleans Saints. Last month, Archie Manning reflected on the recruiting of his sons and compared it to the scramble to land Arch.

“When Peyton, Eli and Cooper went through it, it really didn’t turn up until the spring before their senior year,” he said.  “They might have been getting letters, but with Arch, it started in the seventh grade. I’m not that fond of that, but that’s just the way it is.”