Arch Manning receives unprecedented praise from Steve Sarkisian

2023 Isidore Newman five-star quarterback Arch Manning is a high-priority target for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. Manning, still a junior in high school, received unprecedented praise from the offensive-minded head coach.

When Manning took an unofficial visit to Texas in June, he spent time with Sarkisian and other coaches. The Isidore Newman quarterback accidentally left his notes behind. The notes were found and given to Sarkisian, who was taken aback by what he found.

“Coach Sarkisian called me and said it took their breath away and that it was staggering how much information he was writing down,” Arch Manning’s high school coach Nelson Stewart said via ESPN.

“I just want you to know that I’ve been doing this for a long time and have worked with a lot of quarterbacks,” Sarkisian told him. “Even if I never get to coach this kid, the fact that I got to work with him today was phenomenal and makes it all worth it. That’s the kind of impression he had on us.”

Manning visited Texas in June, shortly after the NCAA’s 14-month pandemic-induced dead period was lifted.

Manning visited Texas again the weekend of Oct. 16 for the Longhorns game against Oklahoma State. Prior to the visit, Sarkisian was spotted at Newman’s game Thursday night to watch the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class.

Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning, and grandson of Archie Manning, has visited Georgia, Alabama, the Longhorns and Ole Miss this season. Manning’s most recent visit was to Ole Miss for his uncle Eli’s jersey retirement ceremony. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback also has a trip to Clemson scheduled for early November.

As of now, Texas appears to making the biggest in-roads with Arch Manning. He and Sarkisian have a relationship dating back to Sark’s time at Alabama, and Manning continues to be impressed by his demeanor and football mind.

“(Sark) is a laid back guy, which I really like,” Manning told Inside Texas. “He’s not always pitching me. He just checks in and that’s one thing I like about him. When it is football, he’s a genius.”

Arch Manning has led his Isidore Newman team to a 4-2 record so far this season. The five-star has thrown for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns to just three interceptions while completing 63.5% of his passes. On the ground, Manning has rushed for 283 yards and four touchdowns.