Nick Saban, Alabama Staff Attend Arch Manning’s HS Basketball Game

Top coaches nationwide have traveled to New Orleans, La. in order to watch top prospect Arch Manning play under the Friday night lights—but not just on the football field. 

Alabama coach Nick Saban, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and defensive coordinator Pete Golding all attended the five-star quarterback’s basketball game to watch as Isidore Newman beat De La Salle.  

The Crimson Tide coaches, though, are not the first nor the last group to watch Manning play basketball this season. Fresh off the national championship, Kirby Smart and several UGA staff members visited earlier this week. 

Manning’s coach Nelson Stewart told The Advertiser Wednesday that LSU recruiting and special teams coordinator Brian Polian and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will also visit. Additionally, Florida coach Billy Napier, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Texas quarterbacks coach A.J. Milwee and Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. also all reportedly have been or will visit Newman. 

Per NCAA recruiting rules, coaches cannot interact with Manning or his family during these visits. 

Manning comes from a long line of football legends as the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli. Even his father, Cooper, played football until a spinal condition derailed his career. 

This football season, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior threw for 1,371 yards, 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Throughout his three-year preps career, Manning has thrown for 5,731 yards, 72 touchdowns and just 18 interceptions, according to MaxPreps. 

Per 247 Sports, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas have all been watching the quarterback closely, hoping to snag the next Manning great. While he visited all four schools plus Clemson during the fall, some coaches traveled to watch him as well during the season, including Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian, Rebels coach Lane Kiffin and Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart.