Why did Arch Manning choose Texas? How the Longhorns beat offers from Alabama, Georgia and many others

Arch Manning has made several cameos over the past two seasons, but Saturday night against UTSA, he was in the spotlight. Manning entered the game in the second quarter after an injury to Quinn Ewers, and it didn't take long for him to make his impressionOn his first play, Manning scored a 19-yard touchdown over DeAndre Moore and the crowd at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium got a detailed glimpse into the future.

Manning finished the night with 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9 of 12 passing and showed off his speed on a 67-yard rushing touchdown. The win catapulted Texas to No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week, while Steve Sarkisian continues to make Texas a national title contender. In many ways, the signing of Arch Manning was a sign that things had changed in Austin after a decade of mediocrity.

When Manning arrived at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans as a high school freshman, he immediately became one of the most high-profile recruits in the country. Manning and his family kept their recruiting plans secret during his first two years, but by the following spring, several schools had emerged as favorites. Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia and Texas were among the programs favored by the family. While Texas initially seemed to be on the sidelines, it quickly became clear that Texas was a serious contender.

A big reason for that was the presence of Steve Sarkisian. During his time at Alabama, Sarkisian's offensive innovation and quarterback development were among the best in the country. Manning had a fondness for Texas since she was a child, but the chance to play for Sarkisian put her in a prime position.

Even though the Longhorns were heading for 5-7 in Sarkisian's first year, Manning felt like he could be part of something that was building.

“I really like Coach Sark and his staff,” Manning told 247Sports in April 2021. “I think they're going to make it in the next few years, and I'm excited to see what they can accomplish. Obviously, he's a hell of a coach with what he's done at Alabama and with the Falcons and everywhere else. He knows how to coach quarterbacks. He's actually just a really nice guy and very laid back, and I like him a lot.”

As Manning entered his junior season, Alabama and Georgia joined Texas at the top of the race. That's when we learned that AJ Milwee was poised to play a crucial role in recruiting the elite passer. When Sarkisian hired Milwee as his quarterback coach, many doubted his abilities as a recruiter. Milwee is essentially an extension of Sarkisian and was immediately linked to Manning.

“I can relate to him because he's younger,” Manning said. “It almost seems like we're friends. I like him a lot. It would be cool to get to play for him. 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 I've enjoyed building relationships and getting to know different people.”

In his final season, Manning visited Texas, Georgia and Alabama, returning in the summer for official visits. Throughout the process, Manning spoke to other recruits from around the country, but from what we know, he spent most of his time talking to Texas prospects like Connor Robertson and Johntay Cook. He had also formed a close friendship with Texas safety Michael Taaffe, who was a walk-on at the time.

After completing his official visits, Manning made a simple commitment statement via Twitter on June 23, 2022. Quinn Ewers had transferred to Austin last spring, and the question arose as to how long Manning would wait for his chance. Throughout the process, Manning and his family talked about finding the right place for his development and not being hasty with immediate playing time.

Now, Manning appears to be exactly where he expected to be: ready to shine when called upon and ready to cement his place in the first-quarterback family. Manning will start this Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe, and depending on how Ewers' recovery goes, he could start the SEC opener the following week against Mississippi State. In an era where young players can simply transfer if they don't get the playing time they want, Manning will be in a position to take over the starting position next spring.