Many college fans still wonder how the Texas Longhorns landed five-star quarterback Arch Manning from the likes of Alabama and Georgia. Now details are emerging on how they did it.
According to Sam Kahn Jr. of The Athletic, the Longhorns had a lavish reception for the star quarterback and his family. Texas reportedly spent nearly $300,000 on the Manning visit.
The entire weekend took place in mid-June, just before Manning committed. Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic reported that “From a 5-star hotel, to an upscale steakhouse, to a cruise on the lake, the Longhorns rolled out the red carpet.”
The visit also featured custom cakes, an ice sculpture, TopGolf and an open bar for parents.
Texas has a huge recruiting budget which allows the Longhorns to spend thousands of dollars on recruits like Manning and show them a good time. It also helps that Austin is considered by many as one of the best college towns in the country.
Manning had also praised Athens, Georgia before committing to Texas, said in the past that he liked Athens also, but clearly the Longhorns brass rolled out the red carpet which ultimately landed the star quarterback. They not only won him over but his parents too.
It also didn’t hurt that the Longhorns are now being coached by a man who many consider an offensive genius, Steve Sarkisian. Texas team proved last week after its performance versus Alabama that while the Longhorns may not be back yet, they are on their way.
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.