Arch Manning transfer rumors: CFB insider links Texas' backup QB to struggling SEC giant as Quinn Ewers' future becomes a bit murky
As the ongoing college football season moves toward the playoff stage, questions regarding next season are being raised, including one about Arch Manning. Fans are wondering where the current Texas Longhorns backup quarterback will play next season.
Manning has already made national headlines several times, initially due to his famous last name, but this season, also due to his impressive performances. He got his opportunities when taking over from an injured Quinn Ewers.
Manning then started against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State, leading Texas to wins over both schools. Pair this with the fact that at $3.1 million, he has the fourth-highest NIL valuation of any student-athlete.
This has many wondering, would he be willing to wait another year on the sidelines if Quinn Ewers decided to return for a final season with the Longhorns?
Some don't think he would be able to do so and are already fielding other options for the signal caller's future. Alabama has surfaced as one of the possible destinations for Manning's talents. Chris Landers of FanSided has revealed some information regarding this possibility:
"Manning seriously considered the Tide out of high school, and while DeBoer has an elite QB recruit in the Class of 2025 in Keelon Russell, that should be no object here: Manning just needs one year as the starter to show out, then he'll be off for the NFL by the time Russell has used up his redshirt.
"And if Manning is looking for a place to showcase his talent, there's no better system than this one."
However, there's something that needs to be taken into account. Jalen Milroe also has some years of eligibility. Should he decide to return for his senior year with the Crimson Tide, Arch Manning would end up in a similar situation at Tuscaloosa to the one he's currently facing at Austin.
In that case, would it make any sense for him to leave a team in which he's the anointed successor?
Arch Manning's numbers during the 2024 season
Arch Manning has seen some action in 2024, starting in two games for Texas following Quinn Ewers' injury. In total, having played in six games and started in two, the quarterback has recorded 939 passing yards, with nine touchdown passes and two interceptions. His QBR is 79.3. He has also run for 81 yards, with three rushing touchdowns.