Arch Manning announced last month that he planned to return to the Texas Longhorns for the 2024 season whether or not starting quarterback Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL draft.
However, Ewers’ announcement this week that he will return to Austin for his senior season sparked the embers on rumors of a potential transfer. Should Manning, the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2023 class, consider leaving the Longhorns, there would be no shortage of suitors.
If Manning exits Austin, LSU is the favorite destination at +200 by SportsBetting.ag as the Tigers look to replace Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, is a Louisiana legend, having starred for the New Orleans Saints from 1971-82.
The next-shortest odds belong to North Carolina at +300. The Tar Heels are losing Drake Maye, who is in the picture for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Third is Ole Miss (+400), which is where Archie Manning and Arch’s uncle, Eli, both played. Arch Manning previously broke the all-time passing record held by Eli at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans.
The book is offering odds on nine potential schools. Seven of those are in the SEC, including Tennessee, where another of Arch Manning’s uncles, Peyton, is the program’s all-time leading passer.
ARCH MANNING NEXT TEAM ODDS
LSU (+200)
North Carolina (+300)
Ole Miss (+400)
Tulane (+500)
Alabama (+600)
Tennessee (+800)
South Carolina (+1000)
Georgia (+1200)
Texas A&M (+3300)
Ewers announced Thursday that he would return to Texas rather than enter the draft. In the week leading up to the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington, Manning insisted that Ewers’ pending decision would not alter his plan to return to Austin for a second season.
Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood said Manning showed progress with increased practice reps during Sugar Bowl preparation. During the 2023 season, Maalik Murphy was the primary backup to Ewers while Manning filled the No. 3 role. Murphy transferred to Duke with writing on the wall about Manning’s future role.
“He approaches everything like he’s the starting quarterback,” Flood said of Manning. “And I think that’s the key, whenever you’re in a reserve role, to being ready whenever you’re called upon.
“We’ve got a ton of confidence in Arch.”
–Field Level Media