Texas A&M’s quarterback picture could be headed for a major shake-up, and that uncertainty has now put a familiar name in the conversation.
With redshirt junior Marcel Reed trending the wrong way and backup Brady Hart apparently not ready to step into the job this season or in 2027, Mike Elko may be forced to go shopping for a proven quarterback through the transfer portal. If that happens, the price tag figures to be steep.
There are already a few names worth tracking. Alabama backup Austin Mack and Oregon State quarterback Brandon Atkenson are among the possibilities drawing attention from multiple Power Four programs that need help under center.
But the more eye-catching name in the discussion is Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
The Longhorns’ season has taken a sharp turn, with back-to-back SEC losses to unranked Oklahoma and Florida. Manning struggled in both games, including a 173-yard, one-touchdown performance against Florida’s vulnerable secondary.
On "That SEC Podcast," hosts Michael Bratton and Cousin Shane floated several programs that could chase the former five-star prospect if Texas misses the College Football Playoff for the second straight year and potentially parts ways with Steve Sarkisian. Texas A&M was on that list.
Manning has the arm talent to work in College Station, but the issue at Texas has been bigger than one player. Sarkisian’s stubborn play-calling and poor protection up front have helped fuel the slide, and the result has been a surprising losing streak.
Still, a move to Texas A&M feels like a long shot. If Manning does hit the portal, Oklahoma, LSU, Ole Miss - where his grandfather and uncle played - South Carolina and Tennessee are also expected to be in the mix. Like former Texas A&M quarterback and Houston Cougars star Conner Weigman, Manning could also benefit from a fresh start in the NFL.
In Other News...
Floridas Biggest Georgia Question Still Has Playoff Stakes
With Floridas trip to Georgia looming, Jon Sumrall still has a significant decision to make at quarterback. Freshman Tramell Jones Jr. and returning starter Philo are both available for the matchup, and Sumrall said he expects to have a starter in place by Wednesday, though he has not made anything official yet.
It is the kind of choice that reaches beyond one game, especially with playoff implications hanging over the stretch run. Both quarterbacks have posted similar completion percentages and each has been part of the offense this season, which makes the decision less about finding a clear emergency option and more about settling on the one that best fits the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Still Has One Massive Question Heading Into Georgia
Florida still has its biggest offensive decision hanging over the buildup to Georgia, with Jon Sumrall declining to name a starting quarterback for the matchup with the No. 3 Bulldogs. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are both available, both practiced, and both remain in the mix as the Gators try to settle on the best option for one of the seasons most important games.
Sumrall said he needs both quarterbacks ready and may wait until after he reviews practice film before making the call. However the choice goes, Florida knows it will need steady play at the position and continued production from Jadan Baugh, who remains a key part of the offense heading into the showdown. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Is Hiding The One Decision Georgia Fans Care About
With Georgia week looming, the quarterback question is still the biggest storyline around Florida as the Gators get ready for one of the most watched games on their schedule. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are both available, and Jon Sumrall has kept the competition open after Jones stepped in to lead Florida back to a comeback win while Philo sat out with an injury.
Sumrall said he expects to settle on a starter by midweek, but he does not plan to stage a formal announcement, which only adds to the interest on the other side of this rivalry. Georgia fans will be watching closely to see whether Florida goes with the quarterback who returned from injury or sticks with the one who just steadied the offense when the Gators needed it most. [Read more 🡒]