Alabama Coordinator Used Sarkisian Alcohol Struggle Against Texas in Arch Manning Recruitment

Arch Manning, the top recruit of the 2023 college football class and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, faced an intense and controversial recruitment battle primarily between Texas and Alabama. During this process, Alabama's then-defensive coordinator Pete Golding attempted a negative recruiting tactic by bringing up Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's past struggle with alcoholism during a Zoom call with Manning and his coaches, expressing hope that Sarkisian could remain sober. This tactic, reportedly pressured by Alabama head coach Nick Saban, aimed to cast doubt on Sarkisian's long-term stability and derail Manning's commitment to Texas. Despite these efforts, Manning chose Texas, attracted by Sarkisian's dual role as head coach and play-caller, Texas's move to the Southeastern Conference, and the chance to help rebuild the program. The intense recruitment and Golding's remarks highlight the extreme lengths programs go to secure elite talent, with ethical boundaries often tested. Manning's decision not only shaped his own career but arguably influenced Nick Saban's subsequent retirement, as Saban sought a quarterback of the future in Manning.