NFL Superstar Steps In to Help Recruit and Elevate Arch Manning’s Texas Longhorns into College Football Championship Contenders Again
In a move that reflects just how deeply intertwined college and professional football have become in the modern era, an NFL superstar has stepped in to support the University of Texas football program—specifically lending his time, name, and influence to aid in the development of young quarterback Arch Manning and the recruiting momentum around the Longhorns. While the NCAA era of amateurism continues to fade away, this type of direct mentorship and involvement from an active NFL player shows how serious top-tier programs are about returning to national dominance, and how impactful these relationships can be for young athletes still finding their place on the field.
The NFL player in question? None other than New Orleans Saints legend and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, a name synonymous with elite quarterback play and championship pedigree. Though Brees is most closely associated with Purdue, his ties to the Manning family and his current involvement in quarterback development through various private coaching ventures have positioned him uniquely to assist Arch Manning in his transition from highly touted recruit to a legitimate college football starter.
Brees, who retired from the NFL after a storied 20-year career, has increasingly shifted his focus toward mentorship and training of quarterbacks at both the high school and collegiate levels. His relationship with the Manning family dates back decades—Brees trained with Peyton and Eli throughout the 2000s, participated in their summer passing academies, and remains closely tied to their inner circle. So when Arch Manning committed to Texas, it didn’t take long before Brees was seen making appearances at spring practices, quarterback film sessions, and even participating in off-the-record meetings with Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian.
According to several sources within the program, Brees has played a quiet but consistent role over the last year, offering insight to the coaching staff and helping Arch Manning grasp the mental side of the game at the collegiate level. “Drew isn’t here to take over or step on toes,” said one staff member. “He’s here to add value, especially when it comes to leadership and preparation. Arch listens to him—he respects his journey.”
Manning, for his part, has taken full advantage of the opportunity. Although he’s not yet the full-time starter, the buzz around the Texas locker room is that Arch has matured considerably over the past six months, thanks in part to Brees’s mentorship. Known for his football IQ, tireless preparation, and unmatched decision-making, Brees has helped Manning refine the finer details of the position—everything from pre-snap reads and throwing mechanics to building a commanding presence in the huddle.
But this story isn’t just about one quarterback and one mentor. Brees’s involvement has had a ripple effect across the entire Texas football program. Recruits have taken notice. When a high school player considering the Longhorns hears that an NFL icon is personally involved in helping develop the quarterback room, it sends a message: Texas is serious about building something elite.
That messaging has already paid off. The Longhorns have landed multiple high-end offensive skill players over the past recruiting cycles, and more than one has directly cited the opportunity to play with Arch Manning and be part of an NFL-style offense as a deciding factor. The presence of a quarterback whisperer like Brees only amplifies that appeal.
“Texas is becoming a destination again,” said a four-star wide receiver from the 2025 class. “When you know that people like Drew Brees are giving time to this program, it shows that they believe something big is coming. It makes you want to be a part of that.”
Indeed, for a program that spent much of the last decade spinning its wheels in mediocrity, Texas seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough. Last season’s playoff appearance proved that the Longhorns could contend with college football’s elite, but sustaining that momentum requires more than one good year. It takes culture, consistency, and leadership. That’s what Brees and others hope to instill.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, himself a former quarterback and offensive coordinator at the highest levels, has welcomed the help. Sarkisian has worked with some of the best passers in the modern game—including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Matt Leinart—and he recognizes the advantage of giving Arch Manning access to someone like Brees, who has operated in every imaginable situation a quarterback might face. In closed-door meetings, the two have reportedly discussed offensive schemes, coverage disguises, and the psychology of quarterback development. More than just another coach on the field, Brees brings championship wisdom that no amount of film study can replicate.
This isn’t the first time that college programs have received help from professional athletes. But what makes this situation unique is the depth of involvement and the authenticity of the connection. Brees isn’t doing this as a publicity stunt or NIL-fueled appearance—he genuinely wants to help the next generation. And Arch Manning, with his reserved demeanor and intense desire to live up to the family name, is exactly the type of student Brees gravitates toward.
The timing couldn’t be better. As Texas prepares to enter the SEC, the stakes will rise exponentially. The gauntlet of SEC defenses—featuring perennial powers like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia—requires a quarterback who’s not just talented, but disciplined, resilient, and able to read and react faster than ever. That’s where Brees’s value becomes irreplaceable. His career was defined not by overwhelming athleticism, but by precision, preparation, and adaptability—all traits that Manning will need if he hopes to thrive at the highest level of college football.
Recruiting experts have also noted an uptick in Texas’s national profile. “It’s not just about the wins anymore,” said one analyst. “There’s a perception that Texas is building a quarterback factory. When you have Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian, and now Drew Brees involved, that’s the type of triangle that makes top-tier receivers and linemen want to come on board.”
Defensive recruits, too, are drawn to the momentum. They know that elite offenses tend to generate exposure and pressure—exactly the type of environment that scouts look for. With NFL eyes increasingly on Austin, the talent is following suit. Texas’s recent recruiting classes have ranked among the top five nationally, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
But the bigger story may still be unfolding. As Arch Manning continues to develop, and as Drew Brees’s presence within the program grows, Texas may be on the verge of something special—more than just a return to national relevance, but a redefinition of what modern college football power looks like.
Gone are the days when tradition alone could carry a program. Now, it’s about innovation, relationships, and access to elite knowledge. The Texas Longhorns, with their unmatched resources, coaching acumen, and now the influence of NFL minds, are rewriting the blueprint.
For Arch Manning, it’s a dream scenario. He has the tools, the lineage, and now the mentorship to become not just a great college quarterback, but one of the greats. For Drew Brees, it’s a chance to give back, to shape the game’s future, and to leave a legacy that extends beyond his playing days.
And for Texas? It’s a statement that the Longhorns aren’t just back—they’re building a future where the NFL pipeline starts in Austin.
