Arch Manning must prepare to lead Texas into SEC

The crown jewel of Texas’ 2023 recruiting class, Arch Manning looks to be Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback of the future. Quinn Ewers still has the keys to the offense to start this season, but Manning is waiting in the wings — and the timing of his move to QB1 could line up with the Longhorns’ move to the SEC.

If that happens, Manning has to be ready to help lead the Longhorns into the conference, Inside Texas‘ Bobby Burton said on On3 Roundtable.

J.D. PicKell pointed out how the 2023 recruiting class will be charged with helping “lay the foundation” for Texas in the SEC. That’s quite the task as the Longhorns make that leap and join a conference that saw 11 of 14 teams reach bowl games a year ago. As the highest-rated recruit of of the group, Manning will be lead that charge.

But even beyond Manning, Burton said Texas is in strong position ahead of its first season as an SEC member — even despite the strength of the league.

“I agree with you, first of all,” Burton said. “Arch Manning will be one of those players. Two consecutive top-five classes, coming off a big recruiting weekend this past weekend. Texas and Steve Sarkisian — Sark has done a really, really nice job of building depth along the roster on multiple fronts. I still think they could use more up front on defense, but they’re addressing that right now. But every other position, I just think Texas is really, really set up nicely to make that transition a year from now.

“That being said, the SEC’s a gauntlet and we all know it. So you’ve got to get there and play the games. But Texas right now, really, really happy with the schedule and happy with the direction of the program under Steve Sarkisian.”

Texas’ 2023 recruiting class ranked No. 3 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking, and includes nine of the top 100 players in the country. Manning — a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he’s one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star — leads the way. He came in as the No. 1 player in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Texas learned what its first season in the SEC will look like, and the Longhorns drew some big-time opponents during last week’s schedule reveal. The Longhorns renew their rivalry with Texas A&M in College Station and welcome Georgia to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Of course, the neutral-site game against Oklahoma remains on the schedule as both teams move to the SEC from the Big 12.