Son of Phillip Rivers Sends Strong Message About Visit to Texas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns have taken an interest in legacy players. Of course, the most notable at this juncture, Arch Manning, will operate their offense this coming season. The program recently offered Jason Witten's son and, on Sunday, Gunner Rivers, a Class of 2027 quarterback recruit, visited Austin.

Rivers' father is Philip Rivers, who played quarterback in the NFL from 2004-20. 247 Sports rates the younger Rivers as a four-star prospect and the No. 7 passer in his class.

"My first time here, it went well, enjoyed, and good talking to all the coaches," Gunner Rivers told On3's Inside Texas about his Longhorns visit. "I had a great time."

"Modern pocket passer with elite pedigree that wins with touch, timing and sound decision-making," 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins said of Rivers in an April scouting report. "Owns more of a unique shot put-like release, but makes it work, much like dad did many moons ago.

"Projects at this stage as a high-end distributor with a rare set of intangibles that has a chance to be a difference-maker at the game's highest level."

Rivers went 12-2 as a sophomore at St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) last season. He hit the mark on 63% of his passes for 3,947 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

The signal-callers ranked in front of Rivers include Elijah Haven (No. 1), Jayce Johnson (No. 2), Kavian Bryant (No. 3), Colton Nussmeier (No. 4), Trae Taylor (No. 5, Nebraska), and Brady Edmunds (No. 6, Ohio State).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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