'Manning up': Texas graduate Matthew McConaughey excited that QB Arch Manning commits to Longhorns

Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey expressed excitement on social media Thursday about quarterback Arch Manning, widely regarded as the No. 1 overall recruit, committing to play football for the Texas Longhorns.

Arch Manning is considered football royalty — the nephew of former No. 1 overall picks Peyton and Eli Manning, the grandson of New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning and the son of Cooper Manning, who was recruited by Ole Miss before a spinal injury halted his playing career.

McConaughey, 52, is a University of Texas graduate, earning his film degree in 1993. He’s an avid supporter of the Longhorns and has been photographed at several sporting events over the years. He tweeted "Manning up" and "hookem" when he heard the news of Manning's commitment.

The prominent actor even returned to Austin in 2019 to become an instructor in the Department of Radio-Television-Film. He earned a Best Actor Oscar in 2014 for "Dallas Buyers Club."

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With the announcement of Manning heading to Texas, McConaughey and others are optimistic about the Longhorns chances of returning to glory.

Manning would be the second five-star commitment to join Texas under head coach Steve Sarkisian. This year's projected starter, freshman Quinn Ewers, transferred into the program from Ohio State this winter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matthew McConaughey excited Arch Manning will play football at Texas