Arch Manning’s Texas visit a ‘game-changing opportunity’

The fourth weekend in March will be an important visit weekend across the country. But once again, the eyes of the college football world will be on Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Arch Manning, the No. 1 recruit in the country out of New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman.

After visiting Georgia last Friday, Manning will be in Austin this weekend for an unofficial trip with the Texas Longhorns. Manning is also scheduled to visit Alabama on the first weekend of April. He’s also expected to visit LSU at some point this spring as well, according to On3’s Sam Spiegelman.

Horns hope to make impression on Arch Manning

But make no mistake, longtime Texas football observers say this is a seismic moment for the future of the Longhorn program.

“Rarely do I believe that Texas is entering into a program-defining situation,” On3’s Bobby Burton said. “Coaching changes. Conference moves. Big games. That’s the entire list for me. Typically. I have almost never felt that way before when it comes to recruiting because there’s almost always another recruit that can change or move perception and reality. Perhaps when Vince Young was being recruited, I felt that way, but not since.

“Yet, I believe that’s the case this weekend. Arch Manning is a game-changing opportunity for Texas football. Manning represents more than just another top-flight quarterback. He not only could lead a sure-fire elite recruiting class. But he could represent the overall resurgence of Texas football.”

That sentiment is echoed by On3’s Gerry Hamilton.

“I think we’re getting to the point in Arch’s recruitment where there are some in-depth and serious conversations taking place,” Hamilton said. “The conversations are about football, the team, and the program’s future. These talks are much more impactful than the ones he’s had on previous visits.

“These next rounds of visits are very important for Arch in regard to feeling comfortable around the team, around the students, around campus and the people of the town. This is the biggest chance for Texas to make a lasting impression.”

Bama, Texas lead in Manning’s recruitment

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Crimson Tide and Longhorns are the top teams on Arch Manning’s list.

The On3 RPM says Alabama has a 40.2% chance of landing Manning, while Texas is at 35.4%. Georgia is listed third at 16.5% and Ole Miss is at 3.9%.

Manning ranks as the No. 1 player, No. 1 quarterback and the top player in Louisiana, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Arch Manning also tops the recently updated On3 High School Football NIL Rankings with an On3 NIL Valuation of $1.6 million. He also ranks fifth in the On3 NIL 100, which is a defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by market valuation.