Arch Manning when ask why he choose Texas: “most importantly, I wanted to go somewhere where maybe they haven’t being as good the past few years, and were Kinda on the rise and Kinda wanted to bring Texas back

### Arch Manning’s Decision to Choose Texas: A Commitment to Reviving a Once-Great Program

When Arch Manning, one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent college football history, announced his commitment to the University of Texas, the football world took notice. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is not only the crown jewel of one of the most famous football families in America, but he’s also a player with immense potential and a powerful legacy to uphold. So when he made the choice to bring his talents to Austin, it wasn’t just about following a family tradition or playing for a perennial powerhouse. Arch Manning’s decision had a deeper, more personal meaning.

When asked why he chose Texas, Manning responded with an answer that reflected a desire to embrace a challenge and help revive a program that had fallen from its former glory. “Most importantly, I wanted to go somewhere where maybe they haven’t been as good the past few years, and we’re kind of on the rise, and kind of wanted to bring Texas back.”

This statement highlights Manning’s unique perspective on his recruitment and his future. Rather than picking a school that was already at the top, Manning’s choice was about playing a pivotal role in a program that had been on the verge of greatness but hadn’t quite been able to reach it in recent years. It was a decision about legacy, ambition, and the desire to be a part of something greater than himself.

In this analysis, we’ll break down the significance of Manning’s decision to choose Texas, explore the state of the Longhorns’ program at the time of his commitment, and understand what it could mean for the future of both Manning and the University of Texas football team.

### The State of Texas Football Before Manning’s Arrival

For much of the early 2000s, Texas football was one of the most dominant programs in the country. Under head coach Mack Brown, the Longhorns won a national championship in 2005, solidified their place among the elite programs in college football, and produced some of the most talented players to ever grace the field, including running back Vince Young and linebacker Derrick Johnson.

However, after Brown’s retirement in 2013, Texas began a period of uncertainty. The Longhorns hired Charlie Strong, who struggled to regain the program’s former stature before being dismissed after four seasons. The subsequent hire of Tom Herman in 2017 promised a fresh start but ultimately failed to produce the consistent success fans were hoping for. Despite flashes of brilliance, Texas failed to break through and contend for national championships, and in 2020, Herman was let go after a disappointing 7-3 season.

This period of struggle created a sense of frustration among fans, who had grown accustomed to Texas being a top-tier program. The Longhorns, once a perennial powerhouse, seemed stuck in mediocrity. But Texas football was still Texas football—a program with unmatched resources, history, and a massive fan base. The potential for a comeback was always there; it just needed the right person to lead it.

That person could be Arch Manning.

### Manning’s Desire to Be Part of Texas’ Resurgence

When Manning said he wanted to go somewhere “on the rise,” he was recognizing that Texas had the raw materials to make a resurgence, but it lacked a quarterback who could take them there. Quarterback play has often been an issue for the Longhorns in the years since Colt McCoy’s graduation in 2009. Several quarterbacks have come and gone, but none have managed to elevate the program to the level Texas fans expect.

By choosing Texas, Manning is not only buying into the idea that the program is on the verge of a comeback, but he is also positioning himself as the key piece to make that happen. Quarterbacks are often seen as the face of the program, and Manning understands the power and responsibility that comes with that role. His decision reflects a desire to be the player who will elevate Texas back to its former glory, just as other legendary quarterbacks—like Vince Young and Colt McCoy—did in the past.

Manning’s words about bringing Texas “back” echo a sense of purpose and a commitment to restore the pride that once defined the Longhorns. This is not about taking the easy road and choosing a program with a proven track record of success. It’s about embracing the challenge of helping Texas reclaim its place at the top of college football.

### The Texas Brand: A Program Poised for Greatness

In his commitment, Manning also referenced the fact that Texas was “on the rise.” It’s an important point because, despite the recent struggles, the Longhorns were showing signs of improvement. In 2021, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas had a solid recruiting class, and the program was beginning to make strides in the right direction. The Longhorns had a strong showing in their final season in the Big 12, and the arrival of Manning would only enhance their chances of breaking through.

The Texas football program benefits from one of the richest recruiting bases in the country. The state of Texas consistently produces a wealth of high school football talent, and the Longhorns are uniquely positioned to tap into this pipeline. Manning’s commitment signaled that Texas was no longer a program struggling to find its identity. Instead, they were a team on the cusp of greatness, with the right leadership in place to take them to new heights.

Furthermore, Manning’s decision came just as Texas was preparing to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, a move that would place the Longhorns in the most competitive conference in college football. This move could drastically raise the stakes for the program, but it also presents an opportunity to recruit at an even higher level and compete against the best of the best on a weekly basis.

### What Manning Brings to Texas

Arch Manning isn’t just another highly ranked recruit. His pedigree and skill set make him one of the most anticipated quarterbacks in recent memory. At 6’4” and 220 pounds, Manning has the physical tools to succeed at the highest level, and his football IQ is off the charts. But beyond his talent, Manning brings an aura of leadership and poise that is invaluable for a team looking to make a statement.

The pressure of following in the footsteps of his uncles, Peyton and Eli, is undoubtedly immense, but Manning has shown maturity beyond his years. He understands the expectations, but he also sees this as an opportunity to carve out his own legacy—one that could end with him restoring Texas to the pinnacle of college football.

Moreover, Manning’s arrival could have a ripple effect on the recruiting landscape in Austin. His presence on campus will likely attract other top recruits who want to play alongside one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation. This, in turn, could help build a championship-caliber roster that could challenge for national titles in the coming years.

### The Future of Texas Football

With Arch Manning leading the charge, the future of Texas football looks bright. His commitment symbolizes more than just a talented player choosing a school—it represents a turning point for a program on the rise. Manning’s desire to “bring Texas back” is both a statement of intent and a challenge he is ready to accept.

As the Longhorns enter a new era in the SEC, Arch Manning’s leadership could be the catalyst that propels them back into the upper echelons of college football. Fans in Austin and across the country will be watching closely to see how Manning’s career unfolds, but one thing is certain: Texas football is on the verge of a major resurgence, and Arch Manning may be the key to unlocking it.

In the years to come, Manning’s impact will likely be felt not just in the win-loss column, but in the way Texas football is perceived nationally. The Longhorns may once again be a dominant force in college football, and Arch Manning’s role in that revival will be remembered for years to come.