Arch Loves Hook ‘Em Horns to Death: All the 5-Star QBs of the 2023 Class Have Transferred—Except for Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning…..
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Arch Loves Hook ‘Em Horns to Death: All the 5-Star QBs of the 2023 Class Have Transferred—Except for Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning
In an era of college football defined by the transfer portal, instant gratification, and “what’s next?” mentalities, Arch Manning is proving himself to be a rare breed.
As of May 2025, every other 5-star quarterback from the 2023 recruiting class has transferred at least once. Malachi Nelson left USC for Boise State. Dante Moore departed UCLA for Oregon. Nico Iamaleava bounced from Tennessee to Ole Miss. And Jackson Arnold recently shocked Sooner Nation with a sudden move to SMU.
And then there’s Arch Manning. Still in burnt orange. Still in Austin. Still proudly flashing the “Hook ’Em Horns.”
While the college football world churns and reconfigures like a carousel on overdrive, the crown jewel of the 2023 class has stayed planted in his roots. And Texas fans are loving every bit of it.
The Lone Star in a Class of Movers
Coming out of Isidore Newman in New Orleans, Arch Manning was the most hyped high school quarterback prospect in a generation. The name alone brought pressure. The tape backed it up. He was No. 1 in nearly every ranking.
But unlike many of his blue-chip peers, Arch didn’t come to Texas demanding immediate playing time. He sat patiently behind Quinn Ewers in 2023. He didn’t pout. He didn’t flirt with the portal. He watched. He learned.
And when his time came in 2024, he took over with poise, leadership, and flashes of brilliance that reminded fans just how special he could be.
“Arch could’ve gone anywhere,” said Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood. “But he believed in the program. Believed in Coach Sark. And believed in doing things the right way.”
What’s Keeping Arch in Austin?
So why has Arch Manning stayed while others have sought greener pastures?
According to those close to the program, it boils down to three things: trust, fit, and family.
1. Trust in the Sarkisian System
Steve Sarkisian has built one of the most QB-friendly offenses in college football. From his days with Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones at Alabama to maximizing Ewers’ skillset in Austin, Sark’s playcalling has always leaned into quarterback comfort and growth.
“He doesn’t just call plays—he coaches quarterbacks,” Arch said during spring interviews. “He’s always been honest with me. That means a lot.”
2. A Perfect Fit
Austin has become a second home for Arch. He’s embraced the city, the locker room, and the culture around Texas football. He’s been spotted at men’s basketball games, local restaurants, and even spring baseball. He doesn’t shy from the spotlight—but he doesn’t chase it either.
“He’s about ball,” said wide receiver Johntay Cook II. “Not drama. Not headlines. Just ball.”
3. A Name, a Legacy
The Manning name comes with expectations. But it also comes with wisdom. From uncles Peyton and Eli to grandfather Archie, Arch has been taught to see the bigger picture.
“He knows what building something looks like,” said former Longhorn Colt McCoy. “That’s what he’s doing in Austin. He’s not chasing stats. He’s chasing legacy.”
2024: A Glimpse of Greatness
Arch’s first season as the starting QB in 2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was promising. He threw for 3,200 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. He showed elite field vision, surprising mobility, and a growing command of the huddle.
Texas finished 10-3, narrowly missing a CFP berth but establishing itself as a legitimate SEC contender in its inaugural year in the conference.
In marquee games—like the upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and the nail-biting win over LSU in Austin—Manning looked every bit the part.
The Transfer Portal Storm
Meanwhile, the 2023 QB class around him scattered.
- Malachi Nelson, once USC’s heir apparent, left a crowded depth chart and landed at Boise State to reboot his career.
- Dante Moore, after struggling at UCLA, sought stability in Oregon’s proven QB pipeline.
- Nico Iamaleava, who couldn’t unseat Tennessee’s starter, jumped ship for Ole Miss.
- Jackson Arnold, the Oklahoma star-in-waiting, surprised many by transferring to SMU in hopes of more freedom in a wide-open offense.
The class that was supposed to define a new QB generation turned into a cautionary tale—except for one.
Arch.
The Loyalty Ripple Effect
Manning’s loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed. Texas recruits are taking note. Fans are energized. NFL scouts are whispering comparisons to Joe Burrow in terms of polish, presence, and leadership.
And within the locker room, he’s become more than QB1—he’s the standard.
“Arch shows up early. Stays late. Encourages everyone. He’s a natural leader,” said center Connor Robertson. “We all rally around him.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With another year of experience under his belt and a stronger supporting cast—including breakout receivers, a loaded backfield, and a top-10 offensive line—Manning enters 2025 with legitimate Heisman buzz.
Texas is also a preseason top-5 team and a trendy pick for the expanded College Football Playoff.
But if you ask Arch, none of that matters.
“We’ve got work to do,” he said in April. “I love this team. I love this school. And I’m proud to be a Longhorn.”
The Last Man Standing
Arch Manning could’ve left. He could’ve run at the first sign of adversity. But he stayed.
In doing so, he’s not just proving his talent—he’s proving his character.
And as college football continues to swirl with change, chaos, and transfer cycles, Texas fans can rest easy knowing one thing:
Their quarterback loves Hook ’Em too much to leave.
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