5-Star QB Arch Manning Decommits from Texas Longhorns, Chooses Georgia Bulldogs Over Ohio State and Clemson
In a stunning turn of events in the college football recruiting landscape, Arch Manning, the five-star quarterback and one of the most highly-touted prospects in recent history, has decommitted from the Texas Longhorns and pledged his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. The decision comes after weeks of speculation and last-minute visits to both Ohio State and Clemson, further intensifying the drama surrounding the recruitment of the football prodigy.
A High-Profile Decommitment
Manning’s initial commitment to Texas in June 2024 was seen as a major win for the Longhorns. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of college football icon Archie Manning, Arch’s decision carried significant weight. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had built a strong relationship with Manning and his family, banking on his ability to develop quarterbacks and lead the Longhorns back to national prominence.
However, sources close to the Manning family have revealed that Arch began reconsidering his decision in late December, citing uncertainties about Texas’s trajectory in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and their ability to compete against perennial powerhouses.
Why Georgia?
The Georgia Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, have established themselves as a dominant force in college football, boasting back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. Georgia’s reputation for producing NFL-ready talent and maintaining a winning culture reportedly played a pivotal role in Manning’s decision.
“Georgia has everything we were looking for,” said a statement from the Manning family. “Their commitment to excellence on and off the field, coupled with their ability to develop quarterbacks, made them the perfect fit for Arch.”
Manning’s visit to Athens earlier this month, during which he spent time with the Bulldogs’ coaching staff and players, solidified his confidence in the program. The opportunity to compete in the SEC, while being surrounded by top-tier talent, proved too enticing to pass up.
The Role of Ohio State and Clemson
Ohio State and Clemson made late pushes to secure Manning’s commitment. Both programs highlighted their track records of developing elite quarterbacks and competing for national titles. Ohio State, with head coach Ryan Day at the helm, emphasized their dynamic offense, while Clemson’s Dabo Swinney leaned on the program’s family-oriented culture and recent success in the College Football Playoff.
Despite their best efforts, neither program could overcome Georgia’s compelling case.
Impact on Texas
The loss of Arch Manning is a significant blow to Texas’s recruiting class and their aspirations to contend in the SEC. Manning was expected to be the centerpiece of Sarkisian’s offense and a magnet for other top recruits. The Longhorns will now have to regroup and look for alternative solutions at quarterback.
A Bright Future for Georgia
With Arch Manning now in the fold, the Bulldogs add yet another elite talent to their already stacked roster. Manning is expected to compete for the starting job early in his career, and his arrival cements Georgia’s status as a premier destination for the nation’s top recruits.
As the Bulldogs gear up for another championship run, the addition of Manning serves as a testament to the program’s continued dominance in college football. For now, all eyes will be on Athens as the football world awaits the next chapter in Arch Manning’s storied journey.
