Steve Sarkisian refutes speculation NIL factored into Arch Manning's signing: 'He’s taken zero money'

Arch Manning held the title of the most high-profile recruitment of the 2023 class. Being the No. 1 overall prospect of the cycle as a quarterback would have been enough. However, whenever you add in the prestige of the Manning family, a ton of eyes were always going to be

In the end, Texas was on the winning end for Manning. Elite programs were in the running, as Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and Ole Miss gave their best foot forward. Ultimately, Steve Sarkisian and AJ Milwee won out and Manning is now in Austin and just completed his first spring practice.

Sarkisian was straight up asked how much NIL money Manning “cost” Texas. The answer was pretty straightforward from the head coach.

“Zero,” Sarkisian said. “It’s not about NIL. He’s taken zero money.”

Now, the question is a fair one. Manning ranks No. 3 overall in On3’s NIL 100 and holds the top overall spot for college football players. His NIL Valuation currently sits at $3.2 million and he was ranked a Five-Star Plus+ prospect coming out of New Orleans (LA) Isidore Newman.

Even so, Manning has not made a dime quite yet since arriving in Austin according to Sarkisian. In fact, those in the Manning family do not want any deals until the true freshman is able to win the starting role down the road.

“Steve Sarkisian reiterated that Arch Manning took no NIL money to come play quarterback at Texas,” Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle said. “Said his grandpa (Archie) and dad (Cooper) wouldn’t allow that, anyway. Sarkisian said Archie told Arch he could start accepting money when he’s actually playing QB.”

Manning will have to wait until he gets serious game time in a Texas uniform. Quinn Ewers will start this season while Maalik Murphy was able to turn heads in a big way as well. With injuries pending, the 2024 season may be the earliest timeline for Manning.

Until then, building up the talent in the program will be the goal. If Texas is going to compete when Manning does take over as the starter, they will need more than just him. That was the message from Cooper Manning from the get-go. The 2023 recruiting class was a good start.

“If there’s a message to tell the other recruits you are recruiting, it’s that Arch Manning is coming to Texas because he loves the University of Texas, he loves the coaches, and he loves the program,” Sarkisian said Cooper told him.