The biggest devy apple has finally fallen from the tree as Arch Manning has made his college decision. Manning announced today via his Twitter account that he will be planning on enrolling at the University of Texas. He won’t be on campus, at this point, until the 2023 season, but until then, we can speculate on what his impact will be.
Quarterback recruits remain the biggest domino to fall, but when they commit, we usually see an influx of talent after. For Texas, they already have zero problem getting recruits. If anything, this makes their lives that much easier. Not to mention future transfer portal options, receivers who enter it down the road will be influenced. Knowing the eyeballs that will be on the program from an NFL standpoint will matter.
As for the devy side of Manning’s commitment, three key points are worth thinking about and analyzing.
Does This Affect Quinn Ewers?
Most people’s first thought will be, “What about Quinn Ewers?” To that, I say he shouldn’t factor into anything. Ewers transferred from Ohio State last year after losing out on that starting job. He will be the starting QB for the Longhorns this year, and one would imagine for 2023. Manning will get on campus for Ewers’ junior year, which would make for a perfect transition year. One power five school source says that while expectations are high for Manning, a year sitting is what should happen.
If Steve Sarkisian does have Manning sit, it will play out perfectly for Ewers. He could play his junior season with no worries of being replaced and then declare for the draft if he sees fit.
The SEC will Allow Us to Get a Better Idea of Him
The Manning Family has always been an SEC family. Grandpa Arch and uncle Eli Manning both attend Ole Miss. Uncle Peyton attended Tennessee. By the end of his college career, that SEC run will continue.
Manning will be competing in the SEC west alongside Alabama, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss, to name a few. The benefit of the SEC versus the Big 12 is simple, defensive competition. If Manning can handle SEC defenses, especially in the west, then he should be able to transition to NFL ones. Not a guarantee by any means but this is just another thing that can be used when evaluating him further down the road.
Does This Mean Texas is Officially Back?
To answer the question, is Texas officially back, the answer is simple – it better be for Sarkisian and his staff’s sake. If they have mid-level success with Ewers, that is fine. If they can’t win and turn Manning into the next big thing, they have a problem on their hands.
Sarkisian is credited with the developments of both Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young before leaving. He will be expected to do the same thing with Manning, but it will be under a much bigger microscope. I think Sarkisian is the man for the job in Texas, and the Manning family saw that. Stability will be important for the program, and that family’s support will be monumental.
Make sure you subscribe to the #NerdHerd, where you get exclusive content, dynasty/rookie/devy rankings, buy/sell tool, and a bonus podcast too. Dynasty Nerds also recently launched the #DynastyGM tool, a complete game-changer in the fantasy industry. Click here for a free trial. We truly are your one-stop-shop for all your fantasy football needs!
