5 college football programs likely to acquire Arch Manning

Rice v Texas - Head coach Steve Sarkisian
Rice v Texas - Head coach Steve Sarkisian

#3 - Manning could stay in Louisiana and play for LSU

LSU Introduces Brian Kelly as Head Football Coach
LSU Introduces Brian Kelly as Head Football Coach

Arch Manning could still go the route of staying home and being the hometown hero for the LSU Tigers. The LSU Tiger Stadium is just under two hours west of Isidore Newman, where he currently plays, and he would surely have the biggest fanbase at LSU.

2022 will be the first season under head coach Brian Kelly after the Tigers went 6-7 under Ed Orgeron. The Tigers haven't had a superstar quarterback to get them back in the championship chase since Joe Burrow, and Manning would be the perfect fit to put the program back on the map.

The SEC is the most popular conference in college football and Arch Manning could make LSU a strong rival for Alabama once again. The only real question that remains is whether he is a fan of Brian Kelly as the head coach.

#4 - Arch Manning could follow uncle Eli through Ole Miss

Allstate Sugar Bowl - Baylor v Ole Miss
Allstate Sugar Bowl - Baylor v Ole Miss

The Manning family has strong ties to Ole Miss, as Eli played for the Rebels and recently had his jersey retired. However, Arch Manning wasn't even born until Eli became a rookie in the NFL and never saw his uncle play at Ole Miss.

Cooper, father, had committed to Ole Miss before being forced to retire. His grandfather Archie also played at Ole Miss and could be swayed to follow the family legacy to Mississippi. Head coach Lane Kiffin makes a strong case for Arch to pick the Rebels after going 10-3 in 2021. Quarterback Matt Corral is leaving for the NFL, and 2022 is a crucial season. If Kiffin's team falters with Corral, Arch could decide to play elsewhere for a stronger coach and program.

#5 - Georgia remains in the hunt

Georgia Bulldogs CFP National Championship Parade
Georgia Bulldogs CFP National Championship Parade

The Georgia Bulldogs could be put into the top-three on Arch's list, but they are third in that group. The Bulldogs had an amazing season in 2021, ending with defeating Alabama in the national championship game. Head coach Kirby Smart has a great recruiting history and would be able to build a strong roster around Manning.

But recent news from Athens may have thrown a wrench in their recruitment of Arch. Offensive line coach Matt Luke retired from his position to spend more time with his family and was also a key factor in bringing in Arch. Luke is a family friend and has strong ties to Arch and Cooper. It's unclear just how impactful Luke's retirement will be, but the Bulldogs seem like a long-shot to land Arch.

Quick Links