Arch Loves Hook ‘Em Horns to Death: All the 5-Star QBs of the 2023 Class Have Transferred—Except for Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning

The quarterback position is one of the most closely scrutinized in college football, and the 2023 class of quarterbacks was no exception. This class featured several high-profile, 5-star quarterbacks—each with the potential to change the course of a college football program. As they entered the college football world with tremendous expectations, many of them became the subject of intense media coverage, fan speculation, and high hopes for immediate success.

However, the journey for these highly-ranked quarterbacks has been anything but smooth. Despite their immense talent, several of the 5-star quarterbacks from the 2023 recruiting class have already made the decision to transfer before even completing a full season at their respective schools. The decision to leave is typically influenced by a variety of factors, including playing time, team culture, coaching changes, and personal goals. But one name stands out from the rest: Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns’ highly-touted freshman quarterback, has remained steadfast in his commitment to Texas, and more importantly, he has chosen not to transfer—despite the challenges that may lie ahead.

This article delves into the intriguing world of the 2023 class of quarterbacks, why some of these high-profile players have chosen to leave their schools, and how Arch Manning’s situation at Texas offers a fascinating contrast. As we explore these storylines, we’ll take a closer look at the challenges that come with being a 5-star recruit, the dynamics of college football recruiting, and why Arch Manning’s loyalty to the Texas Longhorns stands out in today’s landscape of college football.

The 2023 recruiting class was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, especially because of the quarterbacks. The class featured several quarterbacks who were considered among the best high school players in the country, with the media dubbing them as potential future stars of college football. At the top of the rankings was Arch Manning, the grandson of NFL legends Archie Manning and Peyton Manning, and the nephew of NFL superstar Eli Manning. His recruitment was followed intensely from the moment he stepped onto the field in high school, as analysts and fans speculated about where he would ultimately commit.

Manning, who had long been associated with the University of Texas, eventually made the decision to play for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world. He was joined by other top-tier quarterbacks in the 2023 class, including players like Dante Moore (who committed to UCLA), Jaden Rashada (who initially committed to Florida before signing with Arizona State), and others who garnered national attention for their skills and potential.

But despite the hype surrounding these players, many of them faced difficult transitions into college football. As we’ll see, the pressure that comes with being a 5-star quarterback isn’t always sustainable. For many of these highly recruited players, their dreams of starting and immediately making an impact on their college teams quickly collided with the reality of competition, coaching changes, and unforeseen challenges.

One of the most prominent features of college football in recent years has been the rise of the transfer portal. The portal allows players to transfer from one school to another without having to sit out a year, which has led to a dramatic increase in player movement. While the transfer portal offers an opportunity for players to find a better fit for their skills and goals, it has also contributed to a culture of impatience.

For quarterbacks, especially those highly ranked in recruiting, the temptation to transfer can be overwhelming. A player who doesn’t get immediate playing time or who faces competition from other top quarterbacks may feel pressured to find a new home. This has led to a situation where many of the best quarterbacks in each recruiting class are switching schools rather than sticking with their initial commitments.

Looking at the 2023 class specifically, it’s clear that the transfer portal has played a significant role in reshaping the landscape of college football.

• Dante Moore, the 5-star quarterback who initially committed to Oregon, made the decision to transfer to UCLA. After a tumultuous year with the Ducks, Moore chose to leave the program and seek a fresh start.
• Jaden Rashada, one of the top quarterbacks in the country, was embroiled in a controversial recruiting process after decommitting from Florida and committing to Arizona State. His decision to transfer came after just a short period of time, further highlighting the uncertainty that often accompanies a high-profile quarterback’s journey.

These transfers raise important questions about the nature of loyalty and commitment in college football. In previous generations, quarterbacks would often stay with a program through thick and thin, regardless of the playing time or the challenges they faced. Today, however, the landscape has shifted, and the transfer portal has become a viable path for players seeking more playing time or a better situation.

While many of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 class have already transferred, Arch Manning has remained firmly committed to the University of Texas. Despite the high expectations that came with his arrival and the natural pressure that comes with being the son of two NFL greats and a highly publicized recruit, Manning has stuck with the Longhorns. His decision to stay put amid the flurry of transfer activity speaks to a sense of stability and loyalty that has become rare in modern college football.

Manning’s situation at Texas is unique. For one, he doesn’t have to worry about the competition at quarterback. Texas already has a talented signal-caller in Quinn Ewers, who has been playing well for the Longhorns and is seen as a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Manning, however, has chosen to wait his turn rather than transfer to a school where he might be promised immediate playing time. This patience, often seen as a rare quality among highly recruited players, sets Manning apart from his peers in the 2023 class.

Manning’s decision to stay at Texas is likely influenced by a number of factors, including his relationship with head coach Steve Sarkisian and the confidence he has in the Longhorns’ program. Sarkisian has a history of developing quarterbacks—most notably, Alabama’s Mac Jones, who flourished under Sarkisian’s tutelage—and Manning may feel that he can continue to develop his skills at Texas, even if it means waiting behind Ewers for a while. Additionally, the Longhorns’ success on the field, including their trajectory toward a potential College Football Playoff berth, may have bolstered Manning’s belief in the program’s direction.

Looking forward, Arch Manning’s future at Texas appears bright. While he may have to wait for his turn, his patience and loyalty to the program could pay off in the long run. It’s important to remember that college football is a long game, and many quarterbacks who don’t start immediately go on to have successful careers. Some of the best quarterbacks in college football history—such as Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady—didn’t start as freshmen or sophomores but developed into future stars as their careers progressed.

At Texas, Manning is poised to take over the reins once Ewers moves on to the NFL. By that time, he will have had the opportunity to learn under Sarkisian’s coaching, develop his skills in practice, and acclimate to the demands of college football. Whether he starts as a sophomore, junior, or senior, Manning’s talent is undeniable, and his ability to stay at Texas and weather the challenges of his early college years speaks to his maturity and his belief in the Longhorns’ program.

Manning’s journey also holds broader implications for college football as a whole. In an era where the transfer portal has become a dominant force, his decision to stick with his commitment to Texas offers a refreshing narrative of stability and long-term vision. In a sense, Manning represents a return to the days when players stuck with their programs and focused on their development, rather than seeking the quickest path to playing time or stardom.

The 2023 class of quarterbacks has been full of ups and downs, with many of the top 5-star prospects transferring within months of arriving on campus. The transfer portal has reshaped college football in profound ways, making it easier for players to seek new opportunities when things aren’t going their way. However, Arch Manning stands as a beacon of consistency and commitment in a world where those qualities are often in short supply.

His decision to remain at Texas, despite the competitive challenges, speaks volumes about his character and his belief in the Longhorns’ program. As the future of Texas football, Manning has the chance to develop into one of the game’s top quarterbacks and carry on the legacy of his famous family name. If he continues down this path of patience and growth, there’s little doubt that his time to shine will come—and when it does, it may be a turning point for both him and the Texas Longhorns.

In a world where many quarterbacks seem to be chasing the next best thing, Arch Manning’s choice to stick with the Texas Longhorns may just be the type of story that college football needs to remind fans and players alike about the power of loyalty, patience, and belief in a program.