The five-star Texas Longhorns quarterback commit is in contact with LSU football.
The Five-Star Texas Longhorns Quarterback Commit is in Contact with LSU Football: What It Means for the Future
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, with high-profile recruits constantly reshuffling commitments and interests. Recently, an intriguing development has surfaced: a five-star quarterback commit to the Texas Longhorns has reportedly been in contact with the LSU Tigers football program. This news has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, particularly considering the impact this could have on both programs moving forward.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the circumstances surrounding the Texas Longhorns’ five-star quarterback commit, his contact with LSU, and what it means for his recruitment and the future of both teams. We’ll also explore how this situation might affect the Longhorns’ quarterback depth, LSU’s pursuit of elite talent, and the ever-changing nature of college football recruiting.
Who is the Five-Star Texas Longhorns Quarterback Commit?
The quarterback in question is Arch Manning, the highly sought-after prospect and one of the top-rated players in the 2025 recruiting class. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, comes from a football family with a rich pedigree and legacy. As a recruit, he has been on the radar of virtually every college program in the country, with schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Clemson vying for his services.
Manning’s decision to commit to Texas in 2023 sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. The Longhorns, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, had secured one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory, solidifying their quarterback situation for years to come. Manning’s commitment was seen as a major victory for the Texas football program, signaling a potential renaissance for the Longhorns after a period of mediocrity.
Manning has the ideal physical tools for a quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 215 pounds, he possesses a strong arm, exceptional accuracy, and a football IQ that allows him to dissect defenses with ease. His decision-making, poise, and leadership skills on the field are well beyond his years, making him an instant impact player for any program he chose.
While Manning has yet to step on the field for Texas, his commitment has already been celebrated by Longhorns fans, with many expecting him to lead the program back to national prominence. Given his pedigree and potential, the pressure will be high for Manning to deliver once he arrives at Texas.
The LSU Factor: What Is Going On?
So why has Arch Manning’s name been associated with LSU football in recent weeks? While Manning is firmly committed to Texas, it’s not uncommon for top-tier recruits to have ongoing conversations with other programs, even after committing. In fact, recruiting in today’s college football world has become a more fluid and unpredictable process. Coaching changes, shifting team needs, and external influences like NIL deals can all play a role in a recruit’s decision-making process.
It was recently reported that Manning has been in contact with the LSU coaching staff, sparking speculation about whether his commitment to Texas could be in jeopardy. Although Manning’s connection to LSU is not new — the Tigers had been in the running for his services prior to his Texas commitment — the recent reports have reignited questions about whether LSU might be able to pull off an unexpected recruitment win.
The LSU Tigers, under head coach Brian Kelly, have seen tremendous success since Kelly took over the program. The Tigers are consistently one of the top teams in the SEC, with a history of producing NFL-caliber talent. LSU has also been known for its potent offenses, which have produced stars like Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson in recent years. Given these factors, it’s no surprise that Manning would remain in touch with LSU, a program that has long been a powerhouse in college football.
Additionally, LSU’s strong recruiting efforts and recent success on the field make them a natural contender in the race for top-tier quarterbacks. With Garrett Nussmeier and Walker Howard expected to play significant roles in the 2025 season, LSU could potentially offer Manning an opportunity to compete for playing time immediately, should he choose to decommit from Texas.
Why Would Manning Be in Contact with LSU?
At first glance, the idea of a five-star quarterback like Manning leaving a school like Texas — especially given his family’s legacy with the Longhorns — may seem implausible. However, there are several reasons why Manning might still be in contact with LSU, even after his commitment to Texas.
1. NIL Opportunities
The landscape of college football recruiting has shifted dramatically in recent years, with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals playing a much larger role than ever before. NIL has created a new realm of competition among colleges, with programs offering lucrative deals to top recruits in exchange for marketing and endorsement opportunities.
Manning, as one of the most highly publicized recruits in recent memory, is undoubtedly a valuable commodity for any program. LSU has been aggressive in securing NIL deals for its athletes and has developed a strong network of boosters and supporters willing to back players financially. With his high-profile status, Manning would have the chance to maximize his earning potential through NIL opportunities at both Texas and LSU.
While Manning is already set to join a prominent program in Texas, LSU could still present an enticing option for him to secure even more lucrative deals, especially considering the program’s deep ties to the football community in Louisiana and its vast network of alumni and supporters.
2. The Competition at Texas
Another reason Manning might continue to explore his options could be related to the competition he will face at Texas. While Manning is a highly-rated recruit, he will not be handed the starting job upon arrival in Austin. Texas currently has Quinn Ewers, who is a talented quarterback and the incumbent starter for the Longhorns. There is also the possibility that Ewers could enter the NFL Draft early, which could create an open competition for the starting role once Manning arrives on campus.
However, the prospect of immediate playing time might be more enticing to Manning if he considers the situation at LSU. While LSU has talented quarterbacks like Nussmeier and Howard, the competition for the starting role may be less intense than at Texas, depending on how the depth chart plays out in the coming months.
3. The Influence of Family and Friends
Manning comes from a football family with deep ties to several major programs, including Texas, Ole Miss, and LSU. His uncle, Eli Manning, played at Ole Miss, while his grandfather, Archie Manning, was a legendary quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. The Manning family has relationships with several college football programs, and their input could influence Arch’s decision-making process.
Manning’s connection to LSU runs deep as well. As one of the most prestigious programs in college football, LSU has long been a significant player in the recruiting world. Additionally, Manning has close ties to some key LSU figures, including former offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who helped develop Joe Burrow into one of the best quarterbacks in college football history.
If Manning receives input from his family or close friends suggesting that LSU might be the right fit for him, it could sway his decision — despite his commitment to Texas.
What This Means for Texas Football
The news that Manning has been in contact with LSU certainly raises questions about his long-term commitment to Texas. However, it’s important to note that Manning has not decommitted from the Longhorns, and his relationship with Texas remains strong. The program has made significant strides under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and Manning’s commitment is seen as a key building block for the Longhorns’ future.
That being said, the situation highlights the ever-present nature of recruitment, especially in today’s college football climate. Texas will need to continue to develop its relationship with Manning and ensure that he remains comfortable with his decision. If the Longhorns can keep him engaged and deliver on their promises, they should still be in a strong position to keep him as their quarterback of the future.
