Arch Loves Hook ‘Em Horns to Death: All the 5-Star QBs of the 2023 Class Have Transferred—Except for Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning…..
In an era of college football increasingly dominated by the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and a whirlwind of commitments and decommitments, the loyalty of one young quarterback is not only admirable—it’s becoming a rarity. Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the 2023 quarterback class and a scion of football royalty, has remained true to his initial commitment: the Texas Longhorns. As the only 5-star quarterback from the class of 2023 who hasn’t transferred, Arch’s loyalty is turning heads, winning hearts, and redefining what it means to truly love a program.
This is the story of a young man who loves the burnt orange, the Longhorn culture, and the “Hook ‘Em Horns” gesture so deeply, it’s as if the Texas spirit runs through his veins.
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The 2023 QB Class: A Shuffled Deck of Talent
The 2023 quarterback class was hyped as one of the most elite quarterback recruiting groups in recent memory. With a host of 5-star talents spread across the country, fans, coaches, and analysts were thrilled to see how these young guns would shape their respective programs. But as time marched on and challenges emerged, the transfer portal became a revolving door for almost every top quarterback from that class.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 5-star quarterbacks from the class of 2023 and their eventual transfers:
Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee): A sensational prospect with a rocket arm and a high football IQ, Nico was expected to become the Vols’ savior. But after a tough freshman year and a new offensive coordinator not tailoring the scheme to his strengths, he transferred in search of a better fit.
Dante Moore (originally UCLA): Moore entered college with the poise of a seasoned pro, but UCLA’s struggles on offense led him to rethink his decision. After just one season, Moore took his talents to the Big Ten.
Malachi Nelson (originally USC): With Caleb Williams occupying the spotlight and a logjam in the quarterback room, Nelson made a tough choice to find a program where he could start immediately, leaving Southern California behind.
Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma): Touted as a future Heisman candidate, Arnold’s trajectory hit some roadblocks due to coaching changes and inconsistent team play. The decision to transfer shocked many in Norman but wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Every single 5-star quarterback from that elite class sought greener pastures—except one.
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Arch Manning: Loyalty Runs in the Blood
When Arch Manning committed to the University of Texas, it was a monumental moment. The Manning name alone carries massive weight in the football world. His uncles Peyton and Eli were Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, and his grandfather Archie was a legend in his own right. For Arch, the pressure to follow in those footsteps was immense. But rather than choosing an already dominant powerhouse like Alabama, Georgia, or LSU, Arch chose Texas—a program that was rebuilding, hungry, and full of potential.
In his own words, he “felt something different” at Texas.
The environment. The coaching staff. The facilities. The people. And most importantly, the belief that he could help bring Texas back to the top tier of college football.
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“Hook ‘Em Horns to Death”
Arch Manning’s connection to Texas isn’t just professional—it’s emotional. By all accounts, he’s embraced the Texas culture wholeheartedly. From wearing burnt orange with pride to throwing up the iconic “Hook ‘Em Horns” sign with joy, Arch has ingrained himself in the Longhorn way of life.
During a recent media availability session, Arch was asked why he didn’t consider transferring like his peers.
His response was pure and powerful:
> “I came to Texas because I believed in the vision. I believed in Coach Sarkisian, in this team, in this fanbase. I don’t want to run from challenges. I love this place. I love ‘Hook ‘Em Horns’ to death.”
That statement echoed through the halls of college football media. In an age where athletes are often seen jumping from one opportunity to another, Arch’s steadfastness has become a beacon of hope for traditionalists who still believe in loyalty, grit, and commitment.
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Steve Sarkisian’s Faith in His QB
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has never been shy about his belief in Arch Manning. From the moment Arch committed, Sarkisian made it clear that this young man was special—not just in terms of arm talent or football IQ, but in maturity, work ethic, and leadership.
Sark has nurtured Arch with patience, giving him time to adjust to the college level, even allowing Quinn Ewers to lead in 2023 while Arch developed behind the scenes. Many fans and analysts wondered if that would push Arch into the transfer portal, but instead, he dug deeper, trained harder, and became more integrated into the Longhorn program.
Today, as Texas transitions into a new phase of competition in the SEC, Arch Manning stands ready—not just to take the reins, but to make history.
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The Symbol of a Movement
Arch Manning’s loyalty is more than a personal choice—it’s becoming symbolic of a cultural shift within the Texas football program. Longhorn Nation has suffered through a decade of underachievement, endless coaching changes, and heartbreaking losses. But with Arch at the center of the movement, fans finally feel hope.
His decision to stay through adversity, to ignore the noise and focus on building something special, resonates not just with his teammates but with recruits, alumni, and fans alike.
In fact, Texas’ recent recruiting class—stacked with top-tier talent across both offense and defense—has cited Arch as a major reason for their commitment. His presence, leadership, and loyalty are magnetic.
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What’s Next for Arch and the Longhorns?
As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Arch Manning. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL and Arch officially taking over the starting role, expectations are sky-high. The Longhorns are entering the SEC, where the competition is fierce and every game is a war.
But Arch is built for this.
He’s been groomed for greatness. He’s trained by the best. He’s mentally prepared. And most importantly, he’s committed.
Whether or not Texas wins the SEC in Year One, whether or not Arch becomes the next Manning to win a Heisman, one thing is certain: Arch Manning loves the Longhorns. His heart beats for Austin. His blood runs burnt orange. And as he’s proudly said before—he loves Hook ‘Em Horns to death.
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Conclusion
In the fast-moving, ever-evolving world of college football, where players change schools as often as socks and the chase for money sometimes trumps passion, Arch Manning is a reminder of what makes the sport beautiful. Heart. Loyalty. Commitment. And an undying love for the team that gave him a shot.
Arch didn’t just commit to Texas.
He believed in Texas.
And in doing so, he’s become more than a quarterback. He’s become a legend in the making. A symbol of resilience. And a hero to every Longhorn fan who’s waited patiently for their return to glory.
One thing’s for sure: as long as Arch Manning is wearing that burnt orange jersey, Texas is in good hands.
Hook ‘Em Horns forever.
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