Alabama didn’t hold back in its attempt to land Arch Manning. Then-Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Pete Golding referenced Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s battles with alcoholism in an attempt to send the prodigy to Tuscaloosa over Austin, as detailed in the upcoming book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback” by Seth Wickersham.

"Daddy's on me." Arch Manning's recruitment got so intense that, per @SethWickersham, an Alabama assistant said he "hoped [Steve Sarkisian] can stay sober" on a Zoom call with Arch, Cooper, and Arch's high-school coach. With "Daddy" being Nick Saban. pic.twitter.com/Y4KwbqYwae

Related: UAB Football Preview 2025: Massive Overhaul Might Finally Bring Wins For Blazers This story was originally reported by College Football News on Aug 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email [email protected] or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter,@colereporter. To support Adam's work, pleasesubscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

Get AHSAA live updates and final scores as the first Friday night of the 2025 Alabama high school football season gets underway August 22, 2025

Gov. Kay Ivey (R) set an October execution date for Anthony Boyd, an inmate alleging the state’s use of nitrogen gas is unconstitutionally cruel.

Defensive end Jereme Robinson became the 16th player from an Alabama high school or college on the Eagles, the most in the NFL. An alumnus of Carver High School in Montgomery, Robinson joins Philadelphia after being waived by the New England Patriots on Tuesday.

High school football results for the entire 2025 season as complied by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.