3 reasons why Arch Manning will bring Texas football ‘back’

Arch Manning is a once-in-a-generation talent that could bring elite recruits with him in the 2023 class

Not only is the commitment from Arch huge for Sark and his staff in the Longhorns 2023 class, but he could also bring in other elite recruits that want to play with Manning in the future. Other key recruits in the Longhorns 2023 class, such as the newly-minted five-star DeSoto wide receiver Johntay Cook and four-star Edgewater (FL) running back Cedric Baxter Jr., could wind up joining the mix after this commitment from Arch.

Arch was definitely the boom-or-bust target for the Longhorns in the 2023 class. Getting a commitment from Arch likely means that Texas can now challenge for the nation’s top 2023 class. If Texas had missed out on Arch, though, Sark and this staff could’ve found it tough to even crack the top 10 in the national class rankings.

Moreover, this 2023 class now has the chance to be a real program-changing group for the Longhorns. Arch is a program-changing talent in and of himself. Let alone if Texas can land most of their other top skill position targets for this cycle.

It’s also worth noting the elite track record that some of the top-rated quarterback recruits of all-time have. Prior to the 2021 recruiting cycle, here’s a look at how each of the other top 10 rated quarterback recruits in the 247Sports Composite fared in college:

1. Vince Young, Texas: Won 2005 National Championship

2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson: 2018 National Championship

T-3. Justin Fields, Georgia/Ohio State: 2020 National Champion runner-up

T-3. Brock Berlin, Florida/Miami: 2003 Big East Champion

5. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State: Two-time Big Ten Champion, two top 5 finishes

6. Bryce Young*, Alabama: 2021 National Champion runner-up

7. Matt Barkley, USC: All-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns for USC

T-8. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame: Third in FBS in passer efficiency rating in 2009

T-8. Mark Sanchez, USC: 2008 PAC-10 Champion, Top 3 finish in AP Poll

T-10. Russell Shepard, LSU/Brodie Croyle, Alabama

*Denotes a player still active

It’s clear that there are a few instances of some of the top quarterback recruits that slipped through the cracks a bit. But Arch is more in the ballpark of a quarterback such as Vince Young or Trevor Lawrence in terms of the hype he has coming out of high school.

That realm of quarterback recruit tended to be a multi-time conference champion and at least get to a national title game. If that is the floor for Arch, that will still be considered a major success that brings Texas “back”.