arch manning Quarterback Arch Manning 16 throws a pass as Newman takes on Lafayette Christian Academy in the LHSAA Div III semi finals. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Arch Manning Lca Vs Newman Football 5185

The playing destination of Arch Manning is one of the college football world’s biggest burning questions. The most coveted recruit in the Class of 2023 isn’t expected to make a decision until after spring games, but a favorite to land the legacy quarterback has emerged for now.

In January, On3 reported that Manning was favoring five schools, the Texas LonghornsGeorgia BulldogsAlabama Crimson TideOle Miss Rebels, and Clemson Tigers. Then, in February, Steve Wiltfong at 24/7 is reported that Manning trimmed that list down to four schools (Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas). But then a couple of weeks later,  Arch’s father Cooper told 247Sports that the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers are also in the mix.

In early March, Wiltfong said that he thinks Alabama, Georgia, and Texas have done the best job and are receiving the highest interest from Peyton and Eli’s nephew.

On3 has a machine learning AI that uses all of the information available in order to generate the current likelihood and percentages of a recruit choosing a particular school. In Manning’s case, their algorithm currently favors Texas, though Alabama is right behind them. No other school has a high percentage, by comparison, using this model.

On Tuesday, On3 recruiting expert Eric Nahlin went a step further, saying with 70% confidence that he thinks Texas will land Manning.

Texas makes sense given that head coach Steve Sarkisian is seen as a quarterback guru of sorts. Plus, there’s a chance that former Duke coach David Cutcliffe will be involved in the coaching staff. Cutcliffe has a relationship with Arch’s uncles as he used to coach both of them.

Of course, this is all ultimately conjecture and best guesses as Manning and his family have kept their decision-making very close to their chests. It’s pretty fair to say at this point that Arch is going to end up playing football in the SEC (which Texas will likely be a part of when Manning is there).

There’s still plenty of time for other schools like Ole Miss, LSU, and Florida to make their pitches and get more involved. And we all know that when it comes to college football recruiting, you just never know until it’s official.

[On3]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.