Arch isn’t redshirting. Arch isn’t coming to a school with a young starting QB already in place.
Of course he will ... there isn't a family that understands QBs better than the Manning family, they don't need NIL money, and they won't be in a hurry to get him through 3 years of college. If he is as good as everyone says, look for him to go somewhere with (1) a very a stable coaching environment, (2) a good OC, (3) a school with a tradition of good OL play, (4) a good school to get an education, (5) an offense where he can learn a pro offense, and (6) a place where he can have some fun in college. The last thing they will worry about is if he has to sit as a freshman ... in fact, they will see that as a positive.
From what I have read, UGA leads with Bama, Texas, LSU and Ole Miss in play. OU might be in play with the Ole Miss OC now at OU. Clemson is out.
Why UGA? It is reported that Arch really likes Athens. From a football perspective, the Mannings know Kirby well and like him. They like our OC, Monken who has a pro background and runs the type of O that will prepare him for the NFL. They like Matt Luke (past Ole Miss coach and OL coach), and Buster Faulkner, an O analyst who specializes with QBs and is friends with the Mannings. The coaching environment is as good as it can be, and CKS has made great hires to replace departing assistants. OL play has been great at UGA. Downtown Athens is pretty much undefeated.
Bama is Bama, and obviously has a great recent QB tradition. Question is who will be the OC, and will Saban be there? Perhaps Arch could be his swan song.
From what I have read, they aren't overly keen on Kiffen, but it is Ole Miss.
Texas as the fact that it isn't SEC yet going against it, but a lot going for it. Sark is a great OC, and did wonders with QBs at Bama. Question is how good a HC is he. Hiring Cutcliff makes a lot of sense. If Ewers is as good as everyone says, he will be in his second year as a starter during Arch's freshman year, but would be draft eligible the following year.
I think it will ultimately be UGA, Bama or Texas. Obviously hoping it will be UGA.