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No. 1-Ranked QB Arch Manning Chooses Ohio State Over Tennessee, BYU & Alabama

 

In a shocker that reverberated across college football, five-star quarterback Arch Manning, the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, has committed to Ohio State University, snubbing powerhouse programs Tennessee, BYU, and Alabama.

 

The news broke yesterday via a Substack post, reporting that Manning—a member of the legendary Manning quarterback dynasty—will officially join Ohio State and is expected to don their iconic scarlet and gray jersey this August . Just days earlier, similar chatter had escalated on social media, with a viral Facebook post claiming a “No. 2-ranked football recruit chooses Ohio State over Tennessee, BYU and Alabama” .

 

Manning’s decision sends shockwaves through the recruiting landscape. Considered the crown jewel of his class, he chose the Buckeyes over schools with storied football traditions: the Tennessee Volunteers, who boast one of the nation’s most passionate fan bases; BYU, a program on the rise; and Nick Saban’s Alabama, a college football juggernaut.

 

 

 

🏈 The Manning Dynasty & Arch’s Meteoric Rise

 

At only 17, Arch Manning carries the expectation-laden surname made famous by his uncle Peyton (two-time NFL MVP) and Eli (two-time Super Bowl champion and hall-of-famer), both sons of Archie Manning. A 6’4″, dual-threat quarterback from New Orleans, Arch has drawn comparisons to NFL-ready elite talents and was widely predicted to follow in his family’s storied footsteps .

 

Originally, Manning had been expected to lean toward Alabama or Tennessee, both placing heavy emphasis on quarterback excellence. BYU had emerged as a late front-runner due to its system tailored to develop signal-callers. That he instead chooses Ohio State represents a monumental shift in modern recruiting narratives.

 

 

 

Why Ohio State?

 

1. Historic QB Development

Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has a recent tradition of grooming high-end quarterbacks. The Buckeyes have produced top NFL draft picks in Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, and redshirt freshman Jeremiah Smith—also in the top-10 recruiting classes—has showcased his talent this offseason .

 

 

2. Offensive Scheme & Coaching

Day has brought in former NFL offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to run the offense. With the program already boasting one of the deepest quarterback rooms in college football, Arch steps into an established—and evolving—playbook that has shown proven success at both the collegiate and professional levels.

 

 

3. Big Ten Ambitions & Immediate Impact

Ohio State is projected early in the preseason poll as a national title contender. Adding a high-ceiling quarterback like Manning strengthens their case. Additionally, Manchester’s commitment reshapes the balance of power—especially since Ohio State was already ranked near the top of ESPN’s “ifs” list, with quarterback play cited as a crucial variable .

 

 

 

 

 

Reactions & Ripples Across the Landscape

 

Ohio State fans erupted with excitement—eagerly anticipating how Manning will fit into the Buckeyes’ potent offense and whether he’ll step right in as a starter or undergo redshirt development.

 

Alabama and Tennessee staffers, who had heavily recruited Manning, are reportedly stunned. Landing Arch would’ve been a seismic win; losing him will undoubtedly impact their quarterback depth charts moving forward.

 

BYU, though less high-profile, also invested heavily in its recruitment—teaming Manning with a program famed for active disease schedules and the chance for immediate playing time. That opportunity now belongs to Ohio State.

 

 

 

 

What Now?

 

Arch Manning’s commitment league-wise puts him in the heart of the Big Ten—emphasizing high-stakes conference play and national spotlight games. He’s expected at Buckeye spring football sessions and is projected to compete with Smith and others for a starting role. Ohio State’s offense, maintaining its aerial-centric strategy, appears perfectly suited to highlight Manning’s physical and mental strengths.

 

However, this decision leaves unanswered questions:

 

Will Arch play right away, or continue the Buckeye tradition of quarterback redshirting?

 

How will he match up in Ohio State’s relentless offseason competitions?

 

Can he replicate—or exceed—the immediate success seen by Fields and Stroud?

 

 

 

 

Bottom Line

 

Arch Manning’s commitment to Ohio State is the most significant recruit flip in 2025–26 college football. It solidifies Ohio State’s quarterback pedigree, reshuffles the recruiting hierarchy across major programs, and places Manning center-stage in what could be a defining college career.

 

As the season draws near, eyes across Columbus—and the nation—wi

ll track every development in this high-profile quarterback saga.

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