The college football recruiting discussion often focuses on how a prospect is rated compared to the other players in his recruiting class. The major services rank players by state, position group and overall. ESPN, however, recently took an interesting approach and ranked the top 25 prospects regardless of class, grouping top prospects from the 2022, 2023 and even 2024 classes together.

For many SEC fans, it will come as no surprise that Arch Manning is in the top five. ESPN has Manning at No. 5 overall in the top 25. He’s the second-highest rated quarterback to 2022 Ohio State commitment Quinn Ewers (No. 1 overall) and second-highest 2023 prospect to defensive end Lebbeus Overton out of Milton High School in Georgia.

Here’s what Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert wrote about ranking Manning at No. 5:

Believe the hype. As expected given his pedigree — he’s Peyton and Eli’s nephew — Arch has advanced understanding of how to play the position and ability as a passer. He led Isidore Newman to a 9-1 regular-season record as a freshman, passing for over 2,400 yards with 34 touchdowns and only six interceptions. In a condensed sophomore season, he accounted for 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing almost 72% of his passes. He’s clearly the best athlete in terms of mobility out of all the Mannings and is blessed with the same poise. Alabama, Texas, Georgia and Clemson have received the most mention early on with a June full of unofficial visits just two weeks away.

As college football’s next Manning quarterback, Arch’s recruitment has been followed closely by many ever since he went viral in his first high school spring game. As he starts to take visits, Manning is about to be the most talked-about unsigned recruit, even with his first chance to sign more than a year away.