The Truth Behind Steve Sarkisian’s Decision to Turn Down the NFL and Stay in Texas: Arch Manning is Entirely to Blame
In the world of college football, few coaching decisions carry as much weight as the choice to turn down an NFL opportunity. For Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, this was no small decision. After leading Texas to a string of positive seasons and building a competitive squad, Sarkisian was faced with a tempting offer from the NFL—one that would have likely led to a head coaching job at a respected franchise. However, Sarkisian made the bold choice to stay at Texas and continue his mission of turning the Longhorns into national contenders. While there were many factors involved in his decision, one person played a critical role: Arch Manning.
Sarkisian’s decision to turn down the NFL and stay at Texas has been widely debated, but many insiders are pointing to one primary catalyst for the coach’s move: Arch Manning, the highly-touted five-star quarterback from the class of 2026. Manning, a name synonymous with football greatness, has become the central figure in Texas’ recruiting strategy, and his commitment to the Longhorns has proven to be a game-changer not only for the team’s future but for Sarkisian’s personal and professional trajectory. But how did Arch Manning’s recruitment and eventual decision to commit to Texas influence Sarkisian’s choice to remain in Austin? Let’s dive deeper into the complex relationship between the two, and how it ultimately impacted Sarkisian’s career.
Who is Arch Manning?
Before understanding the importance of Arch Manning in Sarkisian’s decision, it’s crucial to grasp just how significant Manning’s commitment was to Texas. Arch Manning, the grandson of legendary quarterback Archie Manning and nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning, has been widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to come through the high school ranks in decades. His pedigree alone makes him a rare talent, but it’s his skills on the field that have really captured the attention of college football.
At 6’4″ and over 210 pounds, Manning has the perfect physical build for a modern quarterback. His arm strength, mobility, and accuracy make him a highly coveted prospect. However, it’s his football IQ, leadership qualities, and ability to read defenses that set him apart from other top recruits. Manning has been considered the top quarterback prospect in his class for years, and with each season, his status has only grown.
As one of the top five-star recruits of his class, Manning had no shortage of suitors. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and a host of other elite programs were all clamoring for his signature. However, the decision ultimately came down to Texas, and more specifically, to Steve Sarkisian and his ability to develop quarterbacks. It was Sarkisian’s reputation as a quarterback guru that led Manning to commit to Texas in a historic moment for the Longhorns’ program.
Sarkisian’s Rise at Texas
Steve Sarkisian’s time at Texas has been marked by a steady progression in the right direction. After a somewhat rocky start, Sarkisian has shown he has the tools to elevate the Longhorns to a level that rivals the best programs in college football. Sarkisian’s offensive prowess, honed over years as an assistant coach in both college and the NFL, has helped Texas build one of the most potent offenses in the Big 12, if not the entire country.
But it was Sarkisian’s reputation for developing quarterbacks that became a key factor in the Longhorns’ success. From his time coaching quarterbacks like Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez at USC to his work with Sam Ehlinger and Quinn Ewers at Texas, Sarkisian has proven himself to be an expert in developing talent at the most important position on the field. This is where Arch Manning comes in.
Manning’s commitment to Texas wasn’t just a win for the Longhorns—it was a massive vote of confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to develop elite talent at quarterback. With Manning’s potential and Sarkisian’s coaching expertise, the two formed a perfect match. It was clear that, under Sarkisian, Manning had the opportunity to become one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. This was a significant moment not just for Texas but for Sarkisian’s future at the program.
The NFL Temptation
As Sarkisian’s success continued to grow at Texas, so did his reputation as a top-tier coach. NFL teams began to take notice of his work at the collegiate level, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and build high-powered offenses. As the 2026 season approached, the NFL opened its doors for Sarkisian, offering him opportunities to leave Austin and take on a head coaching role at several franchises. The offers were attractive, both financially and professionally.
It was the type of decision that many coaches dream of—a chance to jump to the highest level of football and test their skills in the NFL. However, Sarkisian’s commitment to Texas remained strong, and he ultimately chose to turn down the NFL opportunities. Why? It all comes down to one player: Arch Manning.
Arch Manning’s Influence on Sarkisian
The timing of Manning’s commitment to Texas played a critical role in Sarkisian’s decision to stay in Austin. Sarkisian had invested so much into recruiting Manning, and with the five-star quarterback officially onboard, the future of Texas football appeared brighter than ever. For Sarkisian, the thought of leading Manning through his college career, helping to mold him into a future NFL star, was an incredibly appealing opportunity. Simply put, leaving Texas now would mean leaving behind a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work with one of the best quarterback prospects to ever come through the ranks.
Manning’s decision to join Texas was a momentous one for Sarkisian because it represented a long-term commitment to the program and the vision Sarkisian had set out for Texas. With Manning, the Longhorns would not just have a future NFL quarterback—they would have a player who could lead the team to national championships and potentially reshape the entire program. The upside was clear, and the thought of that future was too enticing for Sarkisian to walk away from.
Additionally, Manning’s presence at Texas helped solidify the program’s recruiting efforts. The Longhorns were already on the rise, but securing the commitment of a player of Manning’s caliber added legitimacy to the program’s trajectory. For Sarkisian, the chance to continue to build the team around Manning’s development and to recruit other top-tier players who wanted to play alongside a future star quarterback was too good to pass up.
Sarkisian’s Vision for Texas
Sarkisian’s decision to stay at Texas isn’t just about Arch Manning; it’s also about the larger vision he has for the program. Sarkisian has made it clear that his goal is to return Texas to the top of college football, where it has historically belonged. With Manning in the fold, Sarkisian has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead a team that can compete for national titles year in and year out.
Sarkisian has the backing of the Texas administration and a fanbase that is hungry for success. With Manning as the face of the team, Sarkisian can focus on building a championship-caliber roster around him, including strengthening the defense, improving the offensive line, and recruiting top-tier skill position players. The Longhorns are poised to be one of the most dominant teams in college football, and Sarkisian is determined to be the coach that leads them there.
What Does This Mean for the NFL?
For the NFL, losing out on Sarkisian is a tough blow. The opportunity to hire a coach with his pedigree, particularly his success with quarterbacks, would have been a huge win for any NFL team. However, Sarkisian’s decision to stay at Texas speaks volumes about his long-term commitment to college football and his belief in what he’s building at Texas.
Sarkisian could have had a successful NFL career, but the chance to work with Arch Manning and lead Texas to prominence was simply too valuable. The Longhorns’ success in the coming years will likely be a direct reflection of Sarkisian’s decision to stay, and it will be a testament to his ability to shape the future of college football.
Looking Ahead
The future is incredibly bright for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. With Arch Manning at the helm, Texas has a quarterback that could lead them to greatness for years to come. And with Sarkisian steering the ship, the Longhorns are poised to return to national relevance and potentially compete for multiple championships.
Sarkisian’s decision to stay in Texas was influenced heavily by his desire to work with Manning and help him develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the country. This move has the potential to reshape not just Texas football, but the landscape of college football as a whole.
For Sarkisian, the NFL will always be there, but the opportunity to lead Texas to greatness with a player like Arch Manning was too good to pass up. And for Longhorn fans, the future has never looked brighter.