As Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has struggled, the national media has done what they do best - wildly speculated about his future. Steve Sarkisian's coaching has been called into question and there's been a running dialog about whether Manning will transfer.
On "The Bill Simmons Podcast," NFL insider Tom Pelissero said he spoke with someone in Manning's camp to ask him where he saw him in 2027. The answer? Ole Miss. Former "College GameDay" analyst David Pollack also says he doesn't think Manning be at Texas in 2027.
Could Arch Manning leave Texas? Transfer speculation is growing, but where would he go? Here's what to know: https://t.co/R2Y3gORwTm
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 27, 2026
USA TODAY Sports writer Austin Curtright is another analyst speculating on the possible
transfer of the New Orleans native.
"It's a question gaining more momentum as the season continues on. Speculation regarding the fourth-year quarterback's status is starting to crop up, with insiders and analysts discussing if a potential transfer portal move is on the table." - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
Manning has one year of eligibility left after this season. He could decide to enter the NFL Draft. He could be sick of the scrutiny that comes with playing QB at one of the biggest brands in the sport that always has national title aspirations. Manning's camp could also decide Sark isn't developing Arch enough.
When asked about transferring after the Ole Miss game last Saturday, Texas linebacker Justin Cryer, who was sitting next to Manning at the postgame press conference, visibly scoffed.
Texas LB Justin Cryer couldn’t help but roll his eyes after Arch Manning gets asked about “the naysayers that said he would transfer.” pic.twitter.com/HAXBUzJcxY
— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) October 25, 2026
Manning and his family have always seemed very loyal and have openly discussed how much they love being at Texas and in Austin. Arch chose Texas in the first place because of how much he loves the city. But with struggles comes speculation.
Curtright lists five possible locations Manning could go to IF he decides to leave Austin:
Ole Miss Rebels
"Manning visited Ole Miss as a high school prospect, with current head coach Pete Golding listed as his primary recruiter, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. It's also the alma mater of his grandfather (NFL quarterback Archie Manning), dad (Cooper Manning) and uncle, Eli Manning, who's likely the greatest quarterback in program history." - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs
"Manning also visited Georgia as a recruit. With Gunner Stockton out of eligibility after this season, maybe the Bulldogs could be a fit. Georgia has backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi, who has played well in limited relief duty of Stockton, but would coach Kirby Smart rather have Manning at the helm?" - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteers
"Tennessee's quarterback situation is still muddy, with five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon and second-year George MacIntyre splitting reps this season. Coach Josh Heupel could opt for a veteran at the position for 2027. Heupel runs a quarterback-friendly offense that could be attractive for Manning, especially with the family ties." - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Hoosiers
"Third-year coach Curt Cignetti has a track record of developing final-year quarterbacks such as Manning. All three of Cignetti's quarterbacks with the Hoosiers — Kurtis Rourke, Fernando Mendoza and Josh Hoover — have been one-and-done players, similar to what Manning would be if he entered the transfer portal. It also wouldn't hurt that Indiana has turned into a modern power in college football." - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
LSU Tigers
"Manning nearly chose Kiffin and Ole Miss out of high school. Maybe he'd choose Kiffin again out of the transfer portal, this time as the quarterback at LSU. Sam Leavitt still has another season of eligibility left, but if he were to enter the 2027 NFL Draft, maybe Kiffin gives Manning a look. Kiffin's quarterbacks since he took the job at Ole Miss have all excelled, from Matt Corral to Jaxson Dart, Trinidad Chambliss and now Leavitt." - Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Arch Manning transfer rumors: 5 possible landing spots for Texas QB
