Why Arch Manning was banned from social media during Texas recruitment, according to Cooper Manning

Arch Manning never followed the modern recruiting blueprint that dominates college football today. According to his father, Cooper Manning, keeping his away from the noise was done by design.

During a recent episode of Always College Football, Cooper said the family intentionally kept Arch’s recruitment simple and largely free from social media attention or the typical recruiting spectacle.

“You know, social media can be — there’s a lot of fluff out there … and that’s dangerous,” Cooper Manning said. “You just play your game.”

Unlike many elite five-star prospects, Arch Manning stayed off social media throughout most of his high school career and avoided the national 7-on-7 circuit that often becomes a recruiting showcase. He focused on playing with his high school teammates and developing his game without the added pressure.

Cooper Manning said many college coaches appreciated the approach, which he described as “old school.”

“I knew we were on to something when every time a coach would come to the school and say, ‘I love the way y’all are doing this recruiting — no social media, no hype, no videos,’” Cooper said. “Just kind of old school, 1975.”

Now entering the 2026 season at Texas, Manning faces enormous expectations in his second year as the full-time starter under coach Steve Sarkisian. From the roller coaster year of 2025, there were a ton of growing pains, along with some injuries. 

Despite the growing spotlight, including early Heisman Trophy buzz, Cooper believes his son will maintain the same steady approach that defined his recruitment.

“Just keep it simple,” he said. “It’s stressful enough already. No sense in making it more complicated.”

More: Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after NFL Combine

Ready or not, Texas' schedule will have a Week 2 blunder. Ohio State heads to Austin for the expected national Game of the Week and could have serious College Football Playoff implications early. 

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