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 2023 college football recruiting cycle was marked by one of the most hyped quarterback classes in recent history. The nation’s top quarterbacks, including a slew of five-star recruits, drew considerable attention from fans, analysts, and college programs alike. Each quarterback brought their own unique talent, potential, and pedigree, and many expected them to become stars in their respective programs. However, as is often the case in the high-stakes world of college football, the road from five-star recruit to college football starter is never as simple as it seems. The 2023 class has proven this in dramatic fashion.

Perhaps the most notable trend that has emerged from this crop of quarterbacks is the startling number of high-profile transfers that have occurred in the wake of the 2023 season. From the top recruits down to the under-the-radar talents, it seems that no one is truly immune from the transfer portal in today’s college football world. Yet, one name remains conspicuously absent from this list of quarterbacks seeking a new home: Arch Manning.

Arch Manning, the highly-touted five-star quarterback out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, was one of the most coveted recruits in college football history. His commitment to the University of Texas was celebrated as a monumental moment in the program’s resurgence. Manning’s status as a Manning family heirloom, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, only heightened the anticipation surrounding his decision. While many of his fellow 2023 quarterbacks have already transferred, Arch Manning stands firm at Texas, seemingly content with his choice and his future with the Longhorns.

The 2023 recruiting cycle produced a generation-defining crop of quarterbacks. In the world of college football, the QB position is often the centerpiece of a program’s success. A top-tier quarterback can elevate a team, change the trajectory of a season, and give a program national relevance. As such, the race to secure five-star quarterbacks often becomes a frenzy of recruitment and promises, and the 2023 class did not disappoint.

Some of the standout names in this class included quarterbacks like:

• Dante Moore (UCLA): The former five-star recruit committed to the UCLA Bruins after decommitting from Oregon. His transition to the Pac-12 had fans buzzing about his potential to lead a power program.
• Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee): Another five-star recruit, Iamaleava was seen as a game-changer for the Tennessee Volunteers, bringing his dual-threat abilities to a program that was on the rise.
• Malachi Nelson (USC): Nelson, who committed to Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans, was seen as a perfect fit for Riley’s high-octane offense and one of the most polished quarterbacks in the 2023 class.
• Jaden Rashada (Florida): The highly touted quarterback’s commitment to the Florida Gators was a major win for Billy Napier, but his tenure was short-lived, as we’ll discuss later.

These quarterbacks were joined by several other five-star recruits who brought excitement, expectations, and a sense of optimism to their programs. However, what quickly became apparent was that the path to college football success would not be an easy one for most of these players.

In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal has drastically reshaped how programs manage their rosters and how players navigate their careers. The portal allows players to transfer to other schools without penalty, and this has led to an unprecedented level of player movement, particularly at the quarterback position.

While some programs have thrived under this new system, many others have been forced to deal with the consequences of an influx of transfers. The 2023 quarterback class is a prime example of this phenomenon. After spending months or even years committing to one program, several top quarterbacks in the 2023 class found themselves looking for a new home after just one season.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the more notable transfers:

• Jaden Rashada (Florida → Arizona State): Rashada’s time at Florida was one of the most high-profile recruiting sagas in recent memory. After decommitting from Miami and committing to Florida, Rashada struggled to find his footing with the Gators. After a tumultuous season, Rashada entered the transfer portal and found a new home at Arizona State, leaving Florida behind.
• Dante Moore (UCLA → Michigan State): Moore’s journey has been one of the most shocking. Despite his promise and his early success at UCLA, Moore surprisingly transferred to Michigan State after just one year, a decision that raised eyebrows across the college football world.
• Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee → Georgia): Iamaleava’s move from Tennessee to Georgia came as a surprise to many. While he had the potential to be the face of the Volunteers’ program, the allure of Georgia’s championship pedigree proved too strong to ignore. His decision to leave Tennessee for Georgia turned heads and caused a stir among both fanbases.

The reasons for these quarterbacks’ departures are varied—whether it’s coaching changes, the competitive nature of the quarterback position, or simply the desire to play immediately—but the trend is undeniable. Top quarterbacks are transferring at an alarming rate, making it harder for programs to build long-term stability at the position.

Amidst all the quarterback movement, one name remains constant: Arch Manning. As of now, Arch is the only five-star quarterback from the 2023 class who has not transferred. Manning’s decision to stay at Texas, despite the trend of transfers sweeping through college football, speaks volumes about his commitment to the program, his confidence in his ability, and his relationship with head coach Steve Sarkisian.

When Arch Manning committed to Texas in 2023, it was a monumental moment for the Longhorns. The Manning name carries immense weight in the football world, and Arch’s decision to join the Longhorns was seen as a coup for a program that had struggled in recent years to find consistent success at the quarterback position. Manning was the centerpiece of Texas’ recruiting efforts, and his arrival was expected to usher in a new era for the program.

Unlike many of his counterparts, Manning has remained steadfast in his commitment to Texas. While the transfer portal looms large over the college football landscape, Manning has not wavered in his decision to stay in Austin. In fact, Manning’s loyalty to Texas appears to be stronger than ever.

Several factors could explain why Manning has chosen to stay at Texas when so many of his peers have opted to transfer. First and foremost, Manning’s decision to attend Texas was based on more than just immediate playing time or a chance to compete for a starting job. Manning has a deep connection to the program, and his family’s ties to Texas are well-established. His uncle, Eli Manning, played at Ole Miss, and his father, Cooper Manning, is a Texas native, further strengthening his ties to the Longhorns.

Manning also seems to understand the importance of patience in the college football world. While many of the other five-star quarterbacks were eager to step into starting roles, Manning has taken the longer view. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and Manning has clearly placed his trust in Sarkisian’s vision for the program.

Moreover, Manning’s ability to remain calm and composed in the face of intense pressure is a testament to his mental toughness. He’s been in the spotlight for most of his life, and his ability to handle the high expectations of playing for Texas—and for the Manning family—has set him apart from many of his peers.

While Arch Manning’s decision to stay at Texas is notable in and of itself, it also speaks to the larger picture of his future in college football. As Manning continues to develop under Sarkisian’s tutelage, there’s little doubt that the Longhorns have a bright future ahead. Manning’s skill set, combined with the talent surrounding him at Texas, positions the Longhorns as a potential powerhouse in the coming years.

Manning’s decision to remain at Texas could also signal a larger shift in the college football landscape. If he succeeds in Austin, Manning could become a symbol of stability in a time when quarterback transfers are so common. His ability to withstand the pressure and stay loyal to a program could set a new precedent for future quarterbacks, showing that commitment and long-term development can still be valuable traits in an increasingly transfer-heavy era.

The 2023 college football season has been a remarkable one, and the quarterback position has been at the forefront of the storylines. With several five-star quarterbacks transferring to new programs, it’s clear that the landscape of college football is changing. However, one player has remained steadfast in his commitment to his program: Arch Manning.

While his counterparts have sought new opportunities, Manning’s loyalty to Texas has made him a rare and refreshing exception. Whether it’s his family’s ties to the Longhorns, his confidence in Steve Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks, or simply his unshakable commitment to the program, Arch Manning’s decision to stay at Texas is one that could define the future of college football.

As the transfer portal continues to dominate the headlines, Arch Manning’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to stick with your decision and let time and development take their course. Whether he becomes the next great quarterback in Texas history or not, Manning’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch. And for Longhorns fans, his decision to “Hook ‘Em Horns” is a testament to loyalty, patience, and the belief that great things come to those who stay the course.