Arch Manning transfer portal: 5 landing spots for the Texas QB feat. USC, Alabama and more

Texas Longhorns freshman quarterback Arch Manning was one of the most sought-after players in the class of 2023 and was thought to be college football-ready.

Steve Sarkisian snubbing him against BYU on Saturday in a game the Longhorns won comfortably might have been the final straw for Manning, who is up against Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy in the Texas QB room. The coach explained why the backup quarterback did not play during his postgame news conference.

"I'm always hesitant on those things to say 'yes, he's going to go in' because now I'm going to get called a liar and that I didn't put them in," Sarkisian said. "I just felt like it wasn't the right time today. Hopefully, in the future, we can do it."

Cooper Manning, Arch's father and the big brother of Eli and Peyton Manning, speaking to TMZ, did not seem worried about his son's prospects in college football.

"I mean, he lost his ID early on," Cooper said. "So, baby steps. But I think he's every day trying to get a little better. And I think he's doing that. I'm surprised he hasn't lost his key and his car and his book bag and everything. Freshman year -- you know, the lumps. But he's growing up."

If Arch Manning does decide to enter the transfer portal, which five football programs could he potentially join?

#1. Oregon

Bo Nix is definitely departing for the NFL next year after his eligibility expires, and the Ducks are one of the most marketable teams in the country, On the surface, it looks like a match made in heaven where a young quarterback would thrive under the pass-heavy system of Dan Lanning

The underlying statistics of Bo Nix this season, which include 2,723 passing yards resulting in 25 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, closely mirror those of Manning in his senior year at Isidore Newman.

Pac 12 Championship Football

In his senior year, Manning threw for 2,270 yards, resulting in 34 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, which led to him being the No. 1 prospect of the class of 2023, according to ESPN. It all fits: the system, the right coach, a big media market and a prince quarterback waiting to be king.

#2. Alabama

Alabama coach Nick Saban lost Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young to the NFL draft and even though Jalen Milroe has stepped up massively in the past few weeks, it’s an area of concern for the Tide.

The options, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner were badly underwhelming when given the chance to step up against South Florida. When Milroe leaves for the NFL, there will be a huge hole to fill.

SEC Championship Football

While starring for Isidore Newman, Nick Saban paid a personal visit to watch the youngest Manning play basketball, showing just how highly rated he is by the legendary coach.

In the wake of recent SEC championship success, Bama would likely open doors for more talents like Arch Manning. Since their frontman, Milroe, will be out to realise his NFL dreams, Saban will need a gunslinger in the pocket, which is obvious looking at Crimson Tide's recent performance.

#3. Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes happen to be one of the best teams in the country, but quarterback Kyle McCord has not set college football alight. McCord has thrown for 2,352 yards, resulting in 17 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

His run game and footwork have been widely criticized as areas of weakness and this is an area where Manning could shine and add to the Buckeyes' already considerable running weaponry.

Ohio State v Michigan

McCord barely beat out Devin Brown for the QB1 spot and the Buckeyes have relied heavily on a running game instead of their passing game, a situation coach Ryan Day might want to rectify next season.

The Buckeyes are one of the best football programs in the nation under Day and the QB1 spot could be open to competition next season if Manning fancies a fight.

#4. Ole Miss

Two-thirds of Arch Manning's football family played for the Rebels. His uncle, Eli, and grandfather, Archie Manning, have deep roots at Ole Miss.

When he was creating waves at Isidore High School, the Manning family withdrew their young prospect from media attention, refusing news interviews and making him change his Instagram to private.

Mississippi Mississippi St Football

One of the only people allowed to follow him was Rebels coach Lane Kiffin and the young Manning even visited the grand old institution before committing to Texas.

This top-20 team under Lane Kiffin could be an attractive destination for the young Arch.

#5. USC

The USC Trojans will likely lose reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to the NFL.

UCLA USC Football

Manning would probably jump at the chance to work with "quarterback whisperer" coach Lincoln Riley, who has worked with Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.

Moreover, Lincoln Riley coaches Heisman winners and Arch Manning would probably jump at the chance to work with the QB whisperer.