Arch Manning reveals why he didn't transfer out of Texas during first two seasons

Arch Manning could’ve gone wherever he wanted to and likely could’ve transferred anywhere he wanted to during his time at Texas. However, he opted to commit and stay in Austin out of high school and over the last two years.

It’s a natural question for a QB of his talent and popularity, considering the landscape of college athletics with the transfer portal and NIL. But Manning going to a place where he didn’t start right away and not leaving at any point is perhaps a bit refreshing for some these days looking at college football.

Manning will take over as the starting quarterback for Texas this year with national championship and Heisman Trophy expectations. Leading up to it, he wouldn’t have changed a thing.

“I think the main thing was I wanted to be at the University of Texas,” Manning said at SEC Media Days. “There’s nowhere else I wanted to be, whether it was the school itself, Austin, my friends, the football program. So as long as I was continuing to get better at football and like where I was at, it was a no-brainer for me to stay.” 

Manning was even asked about the 2026 NFL Draft, which he is eligible for. There are rumblings that Manning could play his way into the No. 1 overall pick or even stay in college another year and wait until 2027.

Arch Manning was always a Texas Longhorns QB

“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said. “But no, no, I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

It’s a new year for Manning with a fresh perspective. He actually learned a great deal over the course of his last two seasons, despite only garnering some playing time and two official starts.

“I think growing as a leader for me last year and the year before,” Manning said. “I was kind of just trying to find my role in the offense, but now kind of taking control of the whole team … I think greatness you have to be a leader and you have to win games. I think being a winner comes with greatness and so I’m gonna try to do both of those here.”

Manning and Texas will open the season at Ohio State on August 30th in a marquee game to begin the year. If you think the hype around Manning is high now, it’ll reach unprecedented levels with a Week 1 win over the Buckeyes on the road.