Manning Over Chris Simms? Eli 'Was Close To Going to Texas'

As it turns out, Arch wasn't the only Manning considering joining the Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns made their choice at quarterback in 1999. It was Chris Simms. 

On paper, it was the right choice too. He was widely seen as the No. 1 overall quarterback in the country.

However, it appears that they could have gone another, and perhaps much better route instead, in that of former Heisman Trophy finalist and No. 1 overall pick, Eli Manning.

In a recent interview with The Spun Manning revealed which schools he would play for today if he were a recruit, while also revealing his 'almost' with the Horns in 1999.

"Right now, I obviously love the SEC," Manning said in the interview. "Georgia looks pretty tempting. They always have a great defense and good-skill position players. My nephew is at Texas. I was close to going to Texas when I was being recruited over 20 years ago. They’re playing great and will be in the SEC next season. I’d put Oklahoma in the same boat. Those three schools would be at the top."

Obviously, it always would have been hard to pry Manning away from the Rebels in 1999, especially with the Horns' eyes already set on Simms. 

That said, it is interesting to think about what could have happened in Austin would Manning had been the choice. 

Eli Manning and Chris Simms :: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Simms was notorious for crumbling in the team's biggest games - twice against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry and once in the 2001 Big 12 title vs. Colorado with a national championship berth on the line.

Had Manning been in place instead, things could have been wildly different. Would Major Applewhite have stayed the starter? Does Texas win the Big 12 title and face Miami in the 2001 national title?

Manning's efforts and accolades at Ole Miss, meanwhile, will never be forgotten. His 829 completions, 1,363 pass attempts, 10,119 passing yards, and 81 touchdowns are all career program records.

All that said, Simms had an excellent statistical career with the Horns of his own, sitting sixth all-time with 7,097 yards and fourth all-time in passing touchdowns 58 scores

So yes, maybe Manning could have made a difference. Or maybe not. Or maybe Applewhite should have been the choice all along. 

But that's what makes the 'what if' scenarios fun. Either way, Manning's praise of the Horns also shows the progress the Texas program has made under Steve Sarkisian.

As a result of that progress, Texas has become a recent hub for quarterbacks to flock to, getting commitments from current starter Quinn Ewers - the former No. 1 overall prospect in the country - as well as Arch Manning, Eli's nephew, and four-star Maalik Murphy in the last two recruiting cycles. 

The Longhorns also currently hold pledges from 2024 three-star Trey Owens and 2025 top-10 quarterback KJ Lacey.

In other words, the future is bright under center in Austin. And this time, a Manning is at the center of it.