Newman star QB Arch Manning has made his much-anticipated college engagement | prepare sports

Newman star quarterback Arch Manning announced Thursday morning via social media that he has signed on to play football in Texas.

Texas and Georgia have long been considered Manning’s top two potential travel destinations. Alabama and Florida have also continued to recruit New Orleans Saints grandson and Ole Miss legend Archie Manning. Arch is the son of Cooper, Eli and Peyton’s nephew.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff went to great lengths to recruit Manning, and it seems their work has paid off.

Assistant coaches AJ Milwee and Terry Joseph were Manning’s main recruiters for Texas, although high-quality recruits often require a whole team effort. Joseph is a graduate of Archbishop Shaw and a longtime college assistant who, among other things, spent time with Brian Kelly’s staff at Notre Dame.

Milwee is the Longhorns’ quarterback coach.

Manning announced the decision on Twitter with a message that read: “Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEm.” The understated way he made his decision public was befitting of a person whose Twitter bio reads simply, “Student.”

The Newman star’s signing at the start of summer comes as a bit of a surprise as he has often indicated he is willing to take his time before making a decision.

Newman tight end Will Randle recently signed with the Longhorns and clearly gave them a boost in the fight for Manning.

Manning and Randle have been football teammates since they were in sixth grade together. They were in Texas together last weekend. Randle made his decision on Sunday.

Manning is the nation’s No. 1 for the Class of 2023.

In 31 games over three seasons, Manning has thrown for 6,277 yards and 81 touchdowns. He rushed for another 777 yards and 20 points. He’s entering his senior season with Newman.

Newman coach Nelson Stewart hosted several high profile coaches throughout the recruitment process.

Sarkisian and Kirby Smart of Georgia each attended a Newman football game in 2021. Nick Saban of Alabama watched an Arch basketball game in January while standing on the running track above the Palestra floor.

Manning has visited Texas, Alabama and Georgia four times each in the past year, including once each for an official visit in recent weeks. He appeared on the LSU campus on June 17 for a 7-on-7 tournament. His recent visit to Texas last weekend proved enough for the standout passer to make up his mind.

The focus on Manning began before his freshman season in high school. He practiced with Newman in the spring before his freshman year. He has started every game he played for Newman in his three seasons.

With Manning as quarterback, the Greenies compiled records of 9-2 as a freshman, 9-1 as a sophomore, and 7-3 as a junior. Newman reached the state semifinals of the Division III playoffs twice in the last two seasons.

Manning played on the Newman varsity basketball team every three years and was a role player on the team that won a state championship in March.

His next shot at a title comes on the gridiron this fall. Barring one change, Manning will begin this football season with the stress of making a college decision in his rearview mirror.