Being ranked No. 1 means more than just bragging rights. It places Texas squarely in the national spotlight while also setting the Longhorns up as the team everyone wants to beat. This is even more significant as the Longhorns start their second season in the SEC, where every week is a test against elite opponents.

As revealed by Wickersham, then Alabama defensive coordinator and current Ole Miss coordinator Pete Golding attempted to prevent Manning from going to Texas by bringing up head coach Steve Sarkisian’s previous battle with alcoholism, which cost him his job at USC.

Texas tops the preseason Top 25 with Arch Manning, but Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are close, putting pressure on the Longhorns to prove they belong.

If anyone can understand the heft of being a Manning, it’s Arch’s siblings — fiercely loyal, wickedly funny and always there to support him.

The Manning name goes a long way — even for college football bettors. Top-ranked Texas is favored to win the national championship, which would be its first since Vince Young dashed into the Rose Bowl end zone two decades ago to upset Southern California.

A cold remark made by a former Nick Saban assistant regarding Steve Sarkisian didn't help Alabama's case in its recruitment of Arch Manning.

An upcoming book has detailed how Alabama tried convincing star quarterback Arch Manning to snub Texas in 2023.