by With the rumors getting put out that Texas Longhorns star QB Quinn Ewers may be returning to the team for the 2024 season. Now, this is still simply just a rumor, but would not be totally surprising as another year in college could put Ewers in position to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This news does leave me and others wondering what this means for top recruit Arch Manning. Committed to Texas as a 5-star recruit, the future of the Longhorns seemed to be in the hands of Manning as he would be getting the keys to the program following this season. With Ewers returning, Manning could decide to transfer and begin his college career elsewhere or stick it out and be able to take over as the Longhorns QB as a Redshirt Sophomore.
I have a list of 3 teams, with 1 longshot that I would be interested in seeing him go to and get onto the field in the 2024-2025 season.
- Clemson Tigers: Dabo Sweeney heavily recruited Manning while he was in high school. The Tigers are about to have one of their worst seasons in the last 10 years and I am sure that Arch Manning going to Clemson would energize the program and can work out for everyone. The Tigers do not owe starting QB Cade Klubnik anything regarding giving him the starting job next year. Manning transferring into Clemson would allow Klubnik to transfer and he would be able to have a fresh start at another Power 5 program. For Manning, the ACC competition is not very strong and will allow him to thrive. Also, Garrett Riley will be in his second year as OC and can tailor his offense around his new prodigy QB.
- Michigan: With J.J. McCarthy heading to the NFL, Manning would be able to carry the torch for the Michigan offense. Jim Harbaugh has a great history with QBs and his system is very friendly for QBs. Michigan will have good weapons and an elite offensive line. There is no reason that Manning could have the same production that McCarthy has had this year. Not looking too much into this as a blue blood program who will have a vacancy at QB and the job would be Manning’s if he were to transfer to Ann Arbor.
- LSU: Manning is from the state of Louisiana, so a little homecoming for the QB would create a ton of buzz in Baton Rouge. Daniels will be entering the NFL and Manning could step right in and take over as the Tigers QB. He will have great athletes, good coaching in Brian Kelly, and will be playing in the biggest games all year. He will also get a crack at playing the Longhorns in their inaugural season in the SEC.
LONGSHOT TEAM: The Ohio State University: I know that McCord has been solid this year, but if there is a weakness in this team, he would be one of the first ones to look at for the team. Manning will get a plethora of weapons and will be able to carry the torch of Ohio State QBs putting up monster numbers. Manning would have to have competition for the job if McCord were to stay, but he would have a better chance of playing for a juggernaut offense at OSU then at Texas.
Again, this is completely possible of not happening and Arch Manning could decide to stick it out behind Ewers and develop for another year. It is fun to play these games and I think these would completely change the college football landscape.