When Arch Manning arrived on campus with the Texas Longhorns, the star quarterback likely assumed he’d sit for one season before taking over as the starter in 2024. Quinn Ewers, the nation’s top overall recruit, was fully expected to have a short stint in Longhorn country before taking his talent to the NFL.
But now the circumstances have changed for Ewers, who’s expected to return for another year of development at Texas. For Ewers, the hope is he’ll have a healthier season that allows him to build upon a strong campaign where he averaged 270.9 yards per game. If so, Ewers could position himself to be among the first players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Yet, where does that leave Arch, who was born with great expectations as the latest member of Manning football greats? Chances are, he’s not going to want to sit on the bench for another full season behind Ewers or anyone else.
Meanwhile, the NCAA’s transfer portal opens on Monday, and Manning could very well be one of the biggest names available. If Manning does put in for a transfer, which teams could add Cooper’s son? Here’s a list of four possible fits.
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Manning returns to the Bayou with LSU Tigers
While Maurice Clarett would like to see Manning head north to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes, chances are Kyle McCord isn’t headed anywhere. However, with likely Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels NFL-bound, the LSU Tigers will need a new leader on campus.
What better fit than the QB who played high school football for four years in New Orleans? Not only would Manning be returning to the state where his grandpa Archie had success with the Saints, he’d also be first in line to take over the nation’s top scoring offense. LSU tried to get Manning to commit a year ago, but now, with Brian Kelly in need of a new QB, it only makes sense to circle back. Not to mention, Mannings only come around once every 20 years.
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Oregon Ducks land star QB after Bo Nix darts for NFL
Bo Nix is a goner. The star Ducks QB will be in the NFL next year, leaving coach Dan Lanning with a big problem to solve this offseason. Oregon has shown they can lead one of the best offenses in the nation, which should appeal to the Manning family.
If there’s one way to ensure excitement levels remain at their peak in Duck Country, landing Manning would definitely get the job done. Viewed as a five-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN, as crazy as it sounds, Manning should be able to pick up where Nix left off.
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Washington Huskies target Manning to take over for Michael Penix
With finding a replacement for their outbound QB being the running theme here, the Washington Huskies also have to be considered. At first glance, Washington isn’t like the other schools on this list, yet their recent success shouldn’t be ignored.
However, with top receivers Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk likely headed to the NFL too, Manning could be left with a less-than-desirable cast of receivers. Yet, maybe coach Kalen DeBoer finds a way to convince Manning more help is on the way. If Manning chose Washington, he’d be one of their top commitments of all time.
USC Trojans replace Caleb Williams with Arch Manning
Of course, another option for Manning would be to step into the shoes of Caleb Williams in Southern California. Would joining the Trojans be too much of a spotlight for the 18-year-old who the Manning family has gone out of their way to shield from an abundance of media coverage? Possibly, but the NFL is only a few years away, and he’ll have to learn to adapt eventually.
We know the Trojans have no trouble landing top receiver prospects, and Lincoln Riley is a sure bet to lead one of the highest-scoring offenses in the nation. In other words, Manning could do a lot worse than The Golden State.