Nick Saban‘s retirement sent shockwaves through the college football world earlier this year, but according to a recent revelation, things might have turned out differently had Alabama landed one particular recruit in Arch Manning.
On the latest episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, ESPN senior writer and bestselling author Seth Wickersham opened up about the intense recruitment battle surrounding Manning, one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Wickersham explained that Saban‘s pursuit of the Texas QB was much more involved than most fans realized, so much so that missing out on him might have played a role in the legendary coach stepping away.
“The coaches tried. I mean, Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, all these guys, Nick Saban even. It got so competitive and so ruthlessly intense between them as they were trying to get Arch,” Wickersham said on the podcast.
How close Alabama came to landing Manning
Wickersham revealed that Saban was heavily invested in recruiting Manning but approached the process differently than some of his competitors. Unlike other programs that openly rolled out the red carpet, Saban reportedly relied on his reputation and Alabama’s prestige to do the talking.
“Nick Saban wanted Arch, and maybe if he had gotten him, he’d still be coaching,” Wickersham explained. “But he didn’t want to appear to want Arch. Like he kind of wanted his presence to be enough. Meanwhile, Pete Golding, who is one of his assistants, is the one tasked with landing Arch.”
Alabama’s quiet-but-determined pursuit ultimately came up short, with Manning announcing his commitment to the Texas Longhorns in December 2022. His decision shocked many, as several analysts believed Ole Miss-where his grandfather Archie and uncle Eli played-had the inside track.
Arch Manning‘s recruitment was unlike any other. Coming out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, the five-star prospect was one of the most hyped quarterbacks of his generation. Yet, in a deliberate move to shield him from the media frenzy, his family limited interviews and public appearances.
Since joining Texas, Manning has spent time developing behind starter Quinn Ewers. As a redshirt freshman, he made 10 appearances, starting two games and helping the Longhorns secure an SEC Championship Game berth and a playoff appearance. His trajectory suggests he could become one of college football’s biggest names over the next two seasons.
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