The 2023 quarterback recruitment class is poised to go down in history. Though such a status can only be confirmed by the prospects’ performance at the collegiate level, there is little doubt that the amount of signal-caller skill developed during that cycle was unprecedented.
The 2023 class had five five-star quarterbacks, more than any other recruiting class since 247Sports began rating prospects. Four of those five-star athletes ranked in the top ten nationally, and all five ranked in the top fifteen; these are unprecedented ratios in the recruiting world.
Several of those signees have already made a significant impact or are poised for future success. There are nine quarterbacks in the top 100 of the Five of the 2023 Top247 players have already started at least one game, while six are expected to start in 2024. The other three, including legendary names like Texas’ Arch Manning, are clearly being groomed for starting roles as senior quarterbacks ahead on the depth chart move on.
With so much talent involved, and clubs poised to begin spring practice in the coming weeks, it seemed reasonable to examine the immediate prospects for each top quarterback prospect from the historic 2023 recruiting cycle.
Manning, one of the most highly anticipated recruits of the contemporary recruiting era, has had a quiet start at Texas. He spent his rookie season as the third-best quarterback in the country, trailing only seasoned starter Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy, both of whom were previously ranked as top prospects. Murphy’s departure to Duke opens the door for Manning to secure the backup slot, while Ewers’ decision to skip the NFL Draft and return to Austin effectively relegates him to a reserve role. That isn’t an issue for Manning, who hasn’t expressed any concern about the situation during his brief media appearances. He should enter the 2025 starting role with enough of preparation and a supporting cast to help him adjust.
