Publish date: 2024-06-15

Arch Manning, the No. 1 ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, will enroll early at Texas, a source close to the quarterback confirmed to The Athletic on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Manning committed to the Longhorns in June, joining Vince Young (2002) as the only No. 1 overall prospect in their recruiting class to sign with Texas since the 247Sports Composite debuted in 2000.
• Manning is scheduled to arrive on campus in January.
• Texas’ commitments in the Class of 2023 rank sixth nationally, per 247Sports. It includes three five-star recruits: Manning, wide receiver Johntay Cook II and safety Derek Williams.
• The Longhorns are currently 5-3. Starting QB Quinn Ewers missed three games this season due to a clavicle sprain but returned Oct. 8 to lead Texas to a 49-0 victory over Oklahoma.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Was this unexpected?

Not at all. Most top quarterback recruits (and plenty of other blue-chip prospects these days) enroll early to get a jump start on acclimating to college life and learning schemes in time for spring practice. While Manning and his family hadn’t publicly stated his intention, those close to his recruitment indicated in recent months that arriving in Texas in January was the likely result. – Khan Jr.

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What Manning’s decision means for Quinn Ewers

Ewers is the starter and should be in 2023 as well. Ewers, like Manning, was the No. 1 overall recruit in his class when he signed with Ohio State before transferring to Texas. Coach Steve Sarkisian is committed to his success, showing faith in him even as he struggled last week in a loss to Oklahoma State. Ewers has flashed his potential plenty this season and the Longhorns expect his growth to continue.

There are three other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: backup Hudson Card, redshirt freshman Charles Wright and true freshman Maalik Murphy. With Manning arriving in January, it stands to reason that at least one of the others may seek another opportunity via the transfer portal, but how that will play out is unclear.

Sarkisian has declared open quarterback competitions in his two seasons at Texas, and Manning will certainly get a chance to compete. But don’t be surprised if Manning redshirts his first year on campus. He and his family have taken a deliberate process to everything in his recruitment, so it would be natural for that to carry over to his collegiate development as well.

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Arch Manning’s unique approach to recruiting

If there’s no pressure to rush him onto the field, especially with Ewers returning in 2023, it potentially sets up a clean succession plan. Ewers will be NFL Draft eligible after the 2023 season, so if he thrives and goes pro, Manning could be in a prime position to take over as the starter in 2024 – Khan Jr. 

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(Photo: Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

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