The Arch Manning effect: Texas lands seventh big recruit since QB’s commitment

The Arch Manning effect: Texas lands seventh big recruit since QB’s commitment

Texas is back — back on the recruiting trail, at least. 

Since landing a commitment from coveted five-star quarterback Arch Manning on Thursday, the Longhorns have been beneficiaries of a recruiting surge. A whopping seven prospects have committed to Texas in the wake of Manning’s announcement, including five on Sunday alone. 

Most recently, five-star defensive back Derek Williams — the No. 37 prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports — committed to Texas Monday. 

“That kind of shocked me,” Williams told ESPN of Manning’s decision. “I knew (Manning) was (likely) going there, but I was just making sure. That impacted my decision going (to Texas).” 

The Manning effect has vaulted the Longhorns to the third-ranked recruiting class in the nation, up from their mid-thirties ranking just last week. If it holds, the mark will constitute the best Texas class since 2019. 

Since Arch Manning committed to Texas last Thursday, seven other prospects have pledged to the Longhorns, too.Since Arch Manning committed to Texas last Thursday, seven other prospects have pledged to the Longhorns, too. Getty Images

“This has been a great run,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN Monday. “Hopefully it’s not over. I don’t think it is. We may have a few more to go here this week. Hopefully we can continue to capture some of the momentum that has been created.”