Top-ranked Texas is the consensus favorite to win it all, though it’s a crowded field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and defending champion Ohio State (+525). Four other teams — No. 2 Penn State, No. 4 Clemson, No. 5 Georgia and No. 7 Oregon — are between 7-1 and 9-1.

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.

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

The Manning family's NFL legacy is deep and rich, from patriarch Archie Manning playing 12 years for the New Orleans to his sons, Peyton and Eli, combining to collect five league MVP awards, three Super Bowl MVP nods and four Super Bowl rings.

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.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has seemingly chosen to keep his private life out of the limelight as he gets set for the 2025 season.