Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning Commits to Oklahoma Sooners Football Team
In a stunning twist that has rocked the college football world, Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback for the Texas Longhorns and member of the legendary Manning family, has announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. The unexpected move comes after months of speculation regarding Manning’s future and has set the stage for one of the most talked-about transfers in recent history.
Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Hall of Famer Archie Manning, was considered the crown jewel of the Texas Longhorns’ recruiting class when he signed with them in 2023. However, after spending time in Austin and not solidifying the starting role in his sophomore season, the star quarterback has opted to take his talents to Oklahoma, sparking shockwaves across the Big 12 and SEC.
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables, who has been rebuilding the program into a national powerhouse, expressed his excitement at landing such a high-profile player. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Arch join the Sooner family,” Venables said in a statement. “He’s an incredible talent with an elite football pedigree. We know he will bring leadership, toughness, and the drive to win championships here in Norman.”
The decision to leave Texas in favor of their Red River rival Oklahoma has left Longhorns fans stunned and disappointed, as Manning was expected to be the face of the program’s future.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who recruited Manning, issued a brief statement wishing the young quarterback well but clearly underscoring the sting of the departure.
“We wish Arch nothing but the best in his next chapter,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a special player, and we had high hopes for him here in Austin. But we respect his decision and are focused on continuing to develop our program and the talent we have here.”
Manning’s move to Oklahoma adds even more fuel to one of college football’s most storied rivalries. The Red River Showdown between the Sooners and Longhorns, always a marquee matchup, will now take on new layers of drama with Manning’s change of allegiance. Fans on both sides are already circling the date of the next meeting between the two schools in anticipation of what could be one of the most intense games in years.
For Manning, the decision represents a chance at a fresh start. After spending his freshman season on the bench and facing competition for the starting role at Texas, the young quarterback is looking to take charge of his own destiny at Oklahoma. With the Sooners in need of a new leader under center, Manning’s arrival could be the final piece in Venables’ quest to return Oklahoma to national title contention.
“I’m excited for this opportunity at Oklahoma,” Manning said in his commitment announcement.
“It was a tough decision, but I believe in the vision Coach Venables has for this program, and I’m ready to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates and compete for championships.”
The transfer marks one of the most significant quarterback moves in recent memory and raises the stakes for both the Sooners and Longhorns in the coming seasons. Manning’s arrival in Norman is expected to have immediate ripple effects on Oklahoma’s recruiting and national profile, while Texas will now look to regroup and find a way forward without their star quarterback.
As Manning prepares to don the crimson and cream of Oklahoma, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated player debuts in college football history. For fans of the Sooners, this could be the beginning of a new era—one where the Manning legacy extends to Norman, Oklahoma.
