As rumors swirl about Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian’s potential NFL return, the future of five-star quarterback Arch Manning has become a focal point of college football speculation.
According to a recent analysis by Fansided’s John Buhler, Alabama stands out as the most likely destination should Manning enter the transfer portal.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini first broke the news in Week 9, stating that Sarkisian and his representatives had reached out to NFL teams to express that he “would be interested” in returning to the professional ranks. Since taking over in Austin in January 2021, Sarkisian has been credited with resurrecting the Longhorns program, making his possible exit a potential earthquake for Texas football.
Manning, who committed to Texas largely due to Sarkisian’s reputation as a quarterback developer, could face a pivotal decision without his primary recruiter at the helm. Buhler notes that in the transfer portal era, there’s little reason for Manning to stay if Sarkisian leaves, especially with several high-profile programs in need of a quarterback.
Among the four destinations Buhler outlined, Alabama tops the list.
“In the event Manning did in fact toss his name into the portal, it’s hard to imagine any team other than the Tide beginning as the betting favorite,” Buhler writes.
The Crimson Tide were reportedly the runner-up in Manning’s initial recruitment under Nick Saban, and current head coach Kalen DeBoer has maintained the program’s elite status.
DeBoer’s quarterback development credentials are a key factor. Buhler highlighted how DeBoer has elevated Ty Simpson from a potential bust to a projected first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
“Pretty much everywhere he’s gone, either as a coach or a coordinator, great passing offenses have followed,” Buhler observed, emphasizing that DeBoer’s system—paired with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb—offers a pro-ready scheme without relying on gimmicks.
Alabama’s institutional advantages remain intact post-Saban. Buhler pointed out that DeBoer has the program “on rock-solid ground moving forward, both on the field and on the recruiting trail.” With a clear need at quarterback and a proven track record of developing passers, the Tide could present Manning with both immediate opportunity and long-term NFL preparation.
While Texas remains one of the most attractive jobs in college football, Sarkisian’s potential departure could trigger a chain reaction. As Buhler concluded, if Manning re-enters the recruiting landscape, Alabama’s combination of coaching excellence, program prestige, and prior interest makes it the clear frontrunner.
