Why Arch Manning never seriously considered Tennessee despite Peyton Manning’s legacy

Why Arch Manning never seriously considered Tennessee despite Peyton Manning's legacy Arch Manning's first game at Tennessee revisits one lingering question: Why wasn't Peyton Manning's alma mater in the mix?

Key points

• Below is a look at how 247Sports Composite ranked Manning in the 2023 recruiting class.
• As USA TODAY Sports' Blake Toppmeyer observed in 2022, the SEC programs that were consistently primary contenders for Manning, the No.
• And so, with Texas making its first trip to Neyland on Saturday, curiosity has risen regarding whether Tennessee and Heupel were in on Manning during his recruiting.
• But since Manning did not really consider Tennessee, Heupel and the Vols centered their attention on Nico Iamaleava, the No.
• Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer.

Tennessee football kicks off conference play this week against No. 1 Texas at Neyland Stadium.

Peyton Manning is projected to be on hand for Tennessee's SEC opener against Texas on Sept. 26 at Neyland Stadium, one of the marquee matchups of the Week 4 college football slate.

But the Vols legend will have more than just his alma mater to watch.

Manning will additionally see his nephew, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, play up close as he makes his first appearance at Neyland Stadium. Not only will it be the Longhorn quarterback's first start in one of the SEC's toughest road environments, but it will additionally mark his first trip to Rocky Top – believe it or not.

Toppmeyer: One cringe moment turned Arch Manning into a QB who notes nothing. Heisman momentum meter: Where is Arch Manning after Week 3?

"I'm definitely excited to play in a hostile environment, SEC road game, " the Longhorns signal-caller remarked earlier this week. "That's what it's all about."

Through Texas' first three games of the season. When he led the Longhorns on three scoring drives in the fourth quarter to erase a 20-3 halftime deficit, the highlight thus far for Manning has been the comeback he orchestrated in Week 2 against Ohio State at home.

"Smart. Obtained really good command and control of what's going on, " Heupel stated of Manning this week.

And so, with Texas making its first trip to Neyland on Saturday, curiosity has risen regarding whether Tennessee and Heupel were in on Manning during his recruiting. Here's what to know. Did Arch Manning consider Tennessee during recruitment?

Though his uncle is Tennessee royalty and he held a scholarship offer from the Vols, Manning ultimately focused his recruitment elsewhere within the SEC.

As USA TODAY Sports' Blake Toppmeyer observed in 2022, the SEC programs that were consistently primary contenders for Manning, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite ranking, included Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Mississippi.

Like Tennessee, Ole Miss additionally had robust family ties working in its favor. Manning's grandfather, Archie Manning, and uncle, Eli Manning, both starred in Oxford and remain among the most accomplished quarterbacks in Rebels history.

Manning committed to Texas in June of 2022. Though it was believed to be a two-horse race between the Bulldogs and the Longhorns, he chose the Longhorns over the likes of Alabama and Georgia.

"Committed to the University of Texas, " Manning remarked in a social media post.

But since Manning did not really consider Tennessee, Heupel and the Vols centered their attention on Nico Iamaleava, the No. 2-ranked quarterback and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. Iamaleava, in fact, committed to the Vols before Manning committed to the Longhorns.

Iamaleava, of course, would last just two seasons at Tennessee before his ugly split with the Vols that was centered around an NIL dispute. Did Arch Manning have an offer from Tennessee?

Yes, Manning did receive a scholarship offer from Tennessee during his recruiting process. As observed by the Knoxville News Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, Manning did not produce an official visit to Tennessee during his recruitment. Arch Manning 247 rankings.

Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer. You can stream on YouTube or download via Apple podcasts and Spotify. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, why Arch Manning never seriously considered Tennessee despite Peyton Mannings legacy remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.