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Arch Manning is finally stepping into the spotlight as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback for the 2025 season, marking a pivotal moment after two years on the bench behind Quinn Ewers. The 19-year-old, 6-foot-4, 225-pound has bided his time, appearing in nine games with two starts - against ULM and Mississippi State in 2024 - while throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Now, with Ewers headed to the NFL, Arch will take the reins and carry the weight of the Manning family legacy into the pros.
As the nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, Arch's path to Austin was paved with expectations, but his patience has paid off. Texas, coming off a 13-3 season and consecutive college football semifinal losses in 2024, sees Arch as the spark to keep their Big 12 dominance alive, with his pro-style arm and mobility echoing the brilliance of his uncles. If he succeeds, Arch could soon continue the Manning dynasty in the NFL, possibly as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft like Peyton and Eli, but much will depend on how the top NIL value in the NCAA plays next season.
Sarkisian's Praise Arch's Humility
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has nothing but iration for Arch Manning's approach, especially his refusal to use the Manning name for a faster route to the field. In recent comments, Sarkisian highlighted Arch's leadership and humility, noting, "He hasn't used his last name to force his way into playing time - he's earned it through hard work and being a great teammate. After two seasons of learning behind Ewers, Arch's quiet determination has won over Sarkisian and the Longhorns' locker room.
Despite the pressure of being a Manning, Arch has embraced his role, enjoying the process and building chemistry with his team. Sarkisian's confidence in Arch's readiness for 2025 - he faces a tough opener against Ohio State in Columbus - underscores his belief that Arch's patience, not privilege, has prepared him for stardom. It's a rare trait for a prospect from such a storied lineage, and it's one that will fuel Texas' title aspirations, since they have not won a national championship since 2005.
The Manning Legacy: A Family Built on Greatness
Arch's rise is just the latest chapter in the Manning family's storied NFL saga, rooted in his grandfather, Archie, who started it all. Archie, a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints from 1971-1982, threw for 23,911 yards, 125 touchdowns and 173 interceptions, earning three Pro Bowl nods despite playing for struggling teams. His grit laid the foundation for his sons, Peyton and Eli, to elevate the name to dynasty status. Peyton, a 14-time Pro Bowler and five-time MVP (NFL record), rewrote records with 71,940 ing yards, 539 touchdowns and two Super Bowl titles (Colts 2007, Broncos 2016), earning a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Eli, a two-time Super Bowl champion (Giants 2008, 2012) and four-time Pro Bowler, threw for 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns, and win two Super Bowl MVP awards, famously topping Tom Brady's Patriots twice.
Arch's journey with Texas-starting against Ohio State on August 30, 2025-will be his proving ground, but the Manning bloodline gives him a leg up. If he mirrors Peyton's precision or Eli's clutch play, Arch could follow them to the NFL, possibly as a top draft pick in 2026. The Longhorns see Arch as their present, but the road ahead - navigating injuries, NIL pressure and Big 12 competition - will test his mettle. With Peyton and Eli's guidance since he was a kid and Archie's lessons echoing, Arch's legacy is poised to grow and keep the Manning name synonymous with quarterback greatness for another generation.