Arch Manning
Archibald Charles Manning (born April 27, 2005) is an American college football quarterback for the Texas Longhorns of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[1] A highly touted prospect from a legendary football lineage, Manning is the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of two-time Super Bowl champions Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.[2] As the son of Cooper Manning—Archie’s eldest child and a former college player whose career was cut short by spinal stenosis—Manning has carried the weight of family expectations while emerging as one of college football's premier young talents.[2] Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning attended Isidore Newman School, the same alma mater as his father and uncles.[3] There, he began his football journey as the starting quarterback as a freshman in 2019, becoming the first ninth-grader to do so at the school in at least four decades, and earned MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors.[4] Over his four-year high school career, Manning compiled an impressive 34-5 record as a starter, leading the Greenies to a Louisiana Division III state semifinal in 2021 and securing multiple district championships.[3] His senior year in 2022 was particularly dominant, with 2,270 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions, capping a tenure that also included All-State honors and participation in elite 7-on-7 competitions.[3] Regarded as the top overall recruit in the class of 2023 by 247Sports, Manning received scholarship offers from over 30 programs, including powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, before committing to Texas in June 2022.[5] He enrolled early at the University of Texas in January 2023, redshirting his freshman season while appearing in two games for five pass attempts and 30 yards.[6] In 2024, as a redshirt freshman, he served primarily as a backup to starter Quinn Ewers, playing in 10 games with 61 completions for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, while adding 108 rushing yards and 4 scores.[6] Manning's breakout came in the 2025 season as a sophomore, where he assumed the starting role and, through nine games as of November, has thrown for 2,123 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, ranking among the SEC leaders in several passing categories and contributing 203 rushing yards with 6 more scores.[6] Beyond the field, Manning has navigated immense hype, bolstered by lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals estimated at $3.6 million as of November 2025, making him one of the highest-earning college athletes.[7] At 6 feet 4 inches and 219 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size and arm strength that defined his family's quarterback legacy, though he has emphasized a desire to forge his own path amid the scrutiny.[8] As Texas pursues playoff contention in the expanded College Football Playoff era, Manning's development positions him as a potential early NFL Draft entrant after the 2025 or 2026 season.[9]Early life
Family background
Arch Manning was born on April 27, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Cooper Manning and Ellen Heidingsfelder.[8] His father, Cooper Manning, is a businessman and former college football player who briefly pursued a professional career before it was halted by spinal stenosis.[10] Cooper is the eldest son of legendary NFL quarterback Archie Manning and Olivia Williams Manning.[2] Archie's professional career spanned 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints, where he was renowned for his mobility and passing ability despite playing on struggling teams.[11] Cooper's younger brothers, Arch's uncles, are Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, both two-time Super Bowl champions, with Peyton a Hall of Fame inductee.[12] Peyton, selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, won two Super Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, while Eli led the New York Giants to victories over the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.[13] Arch's mother, Ellen Heidingsfelder, hails from a prominent Louisiana family. She led her high school volleyball team to a state championship and earned all-district honors in track and field.[14] She and Cooper married in 1999 and have three children: Arch, his older sister May (born 2001), and younger brother Heid (born 2009).[15] The family resides in the New Orleans area, maintaining strong ties to the region's sports culture and philanthropy, including support for causes like the PeyBack Foundation founded by Peyton Manning.[2]Upbringing and education
Archibald Charles Manning was born on April 27, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he spent his formative years in a family deeply rooted in the city's sports culture.[8][16] Growing up in the Uptown neighborhood, Manning enjoyed a relatively low-profile childhood despite his family's prominence, often engaging in everyday activities like babysitting his siblings during summers and avoiding social media to maintain normalcy.[17] His early exposure to football came through family traditions, including practicing with older relatives, but he initially played flag football before transitioning to tackle in middle school.[17] Manning's primary education took place at Isidore Newman School, a private preparatory institution in Uptown New Orleans with approximately 1,000 students, known for its strong athletic programs.[17] He enrolled there from elementary through high school, following in the footsteps of his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, who also attended the school.[18] As an eighth grader in spring 2019, he began practicing with the varsity football team, and by his freshman year in 2019, he had secured the starting quarterback position—the first to do so in at least 40 years at the school.[17] Academically, Manning maintained a focus on balance, describing himself as a "regular guy" on the team while prioritizing studies alongside athletics.[17] Upon graduating from Isidore Newman in 2022, Manning committed to the University of Texas at Austin, where he enrolled early in January 2023.[19] At Texas, he joined the Longhorns football program under head coach Steve Sarkisian, redshirting his freshman season in 2023 to develop while pursuing a degree in Communication & Leadership.[16] By 2025, as a sophomore, Manning continued balancing rigorous athletic training with academic requirements at the university.[20]High school career
2019–2020 seasons
As a freshman in 2019, Manning earned the starting quarterback position for the Isidore Newman Greenies and led the team to a 9-2 overall record, including a district championship. He completed 204 of 316 passes for 2,509 yards and 34 touchdowns with six interceptions over 11 games, while adding 87 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on 12 carries. His performance included a standout game against South Plaquemines, where he threw for 279 yards and six touchdowns on 21-of-27 passing. For his efforts, Manning was named to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American First Team.[21][22][23][20] In the 2020 season, shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Manning guided Isidore Newman to a 9-1 record as a sophomore, securing a 3-0 district mark and a Louisiana Division III state semifinal appearance. He passed for 1,919 yards and 21 touchdowns on 149 of 220 attempts with seven interceptions across 10 games, complemented by 224 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 29 carries. The Greenies finished the regular season undefeated at 8-0 before falling in the semifinals. Manning's dual-threat ability was evident in games like the semifinal loss to Episcopal, where his leadership helped maintain the team's competitive edge despite the early exit.[21][22][23][24]2021–2022 seasons
In his junior year of 2021, Manning led Isidore Newman to a 7-3 overall record, including a 3-1 district mark, culminating in a Louisiana Division III state semifinal appearance.[23][21] He completed 149 of 231 passes for 1,841 yards, achieving a 64.5% completion rate with 26 touchdowns and four interceptions, while adding 356 rushing yards on 42 carries and six rushing scores.[22] These performances earned him first-team all-state honors in Louisiana's 2A classification.[23] As a senior in 2022, Manning guided the Greenies to an 8-3 record, with a 2-1 district finish and a berth in the Division III Select state quarterfinals.[23] He threw for 2,270 yards on 140 of 229 completions (61.1% rate), tallying 34 touchdowns against two interceptions, and contributed 81 rushing yards with one touchdown on 15 carries.[22] During the season, Manning surpassed his uncles Peyton and Eli's career high school passing records at Isidore Newman. He also surpassed the school's total touchdown record of 128 previously held by Jay Tyler, finishing his career with 134 total touchdowns. He was named the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year and earned MaxPreps All-America second-team honors.[21]Recruiting
Arch Manning's recruiting process began drawing national attention early in his high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, largely due to his family legacy as the nephew of NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning. Despite the hype, his father, Cooper Manning, tightly controlled exposure by limiting media interactions and initially restricting scholarship offers to a select few programs, allowing Arch to focus on development. Peyton Manning provided private coaching, including film analysis with former NFL quarterbacks, further elevating his profile among elite programs.[25] As the top-rated quarterback and consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023, Manning received offers from numerous powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Clemson, and Virginia. He was ranked No. 1 nationally by both ESPN and 247Sports' composite rankings, with the latter initially placing him at No. 5 overall before he ascended to the top spot. In February 2022, Manning narrowed his list to six schools: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas, conducting multiple official and unofficial visits to frontrunners like Texas (four times) and Alabama (four times). Coaches such as Texas' Steve Sarkisian and Alabama's Nick Saban made personal pitches, with Sarkisian emphasizing his role as both head coach and play-caller.[26][27][28][25] On June 23, 2022, Manning announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns via a tweet, choosing them over the other finalists amid intense competition. Key factors included Texas' impending move to the SEC, strong academic offerings, and the opportunity for relative anonymity in Austin's large city, as well as his rapport with quarterbacks coach A.J. Milwee and Sarkisian. Texas hosted a lavish group recruiting visit in June 2022 that included Manning and eight other prospects, costing nearly $280,000 in expenses like private jets and luxury accommodations, which helped secure four commitments from the group. Manning signed his national letter of intent with Texas during the early signing period in December 2022, becoming the program's first No. 1 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 era. His high school coach, Nelson Stewart, noted that the decision was Arch's own, independent of family influence.[27][25][29][30]Statistics and records
Over his four-year varsity career at Isidore Newman School from 2019 to 2022, Arch Manning established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Louisiana high school football history, amassing impressive passing and rushing numbers while leading the Greenies to a 33–9 record.[23] His dual-threat ability was evident, with a career completion percentage of 64.5% on 642-of-996 passing attempts for 8,539 yards and 115 touchdowns against 19 interceptions.[23] Manning also contributed on the ground, rushing for 748 yards and 19 touchdowns on 98 carries (7.6 yards per carry), bringing his career totals to 9,287 all-purpose yards and 134 touchdowns.[23] The following table summarizes Manning's high school statistics by season, highlighting his consistent production as the starting quarterback:| Season | Games | Passing (Comp/Att, Yds, TD, INT) | Rushing (Car, Yds, TD) | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman (2019) | 11 | 204/316, 2,509, 34, 6 | 12/87, 4 | 38 |
| Sophomore (2020) | 10 | 149/220, 1,919, 21, 7 | 29/224, 8 | 29 |
| Junior (2021) | 10 | 149/231, 1,841, 26, 4 | 42/356, 6 | 32 |
| Senior (2022) | 11 | 140/229, 2,270, 34, 2 | 15/81, 1 | 35 |
College career
2023 season
As a true freshman in 2023, Arch Manning enrolled early at the University of Texas in January, joining the Longhorns as a highly anticipated backup quarterback behind starter Quinn Ewers. With Ewers sidelined by a sprained UCL in his throwing arm during the season opener against Rice on September 2, third-string freshman Maalik Murphy received the first meaningful reps in relief, while Manning remained on the depth chart as the No. 3 option to preserve his redshirt eligibility. Head coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized a patient development approach, noting that Manning would only see action in blowout situations to avoid burning his redshirt year, which allows freshmen to play in up to four games without losing a season of eligibility.[36] Manning made his collegiate debut on November 24, 2023, during a 57–7 rout of Texas Tech at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, entering the game with 10:37 remaining in the fourth quarter and Texas leading 48–7. In his initial snaps, he completed 2 of 5 passes for 30 yards, including a 17-yard strike to freshman wide receiver Johntay Cook II on third down that showcased his arm strength and drew significant crowd applause. Manning also displayed mobility, scrambling for a first down on a third-and-long play, and finished with 3 rushing attempts for 7 yards, contributing to the Longhorns' dominant performance that clinched their spot in the Big 12 Championship.[37][38][39] One week later, on December 2, Manning appeared briefly in the Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma State, entering with under three minutes left in a 49–21 victory to run out the clock. He took three snaps, including kneel-downs to end the game, recording no passing attempts and one rush for a 1-yard loss, but the limited role ensured he played in only two games for the season. This preserved his redshirt status, allowing him to retain four full years of eligibility moving forward.[40][41][42] For the 2023 season, Manning appeared in two games, completing 2 of 5 passes (40.0%) for 30 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and a 90.4 passer rating, while rushing 3 times for 7 yards. His minimal statistical output reflected Texas's depth at quarterback and Sarkisian's strategy to develop the five-star recruit (No. 1 overall in the 2023 class per ESPN) without rushing him into high-pressure situations, as the Longhorns finished 12–2 and earned a College Football Playoff at-large berth.[43][6]2024 season
As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Arch Manning served primarily as the backup quarterback to Quinn Ewers for the Texas Longhorns, appearing in 10 games with two starts while the team transitioned to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His season was marked by opportunistic relief appearances early on, including a brief entry against Colorado State on August 31, where he completed 5 of 6 passes for 95 yards and 1 touchdown, adding a 1-yard rushing touchdown in a 52-0 rout. Manning's mobility emerged as a key asset, contributing 108 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 25 carries for the year, often in goal-line situations during blowout wins.[44][6] Manning earned his first career start on September 21 against Louisiana-Monroe due to Ewers' abdominal injury, completing 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a 51-3 victory. Highlights included a 58-yard completion to Isaiah Bond following an early interception and touchdown passes of 3 yards to Jaydon Blue and 17 yards to Ryan Wingo, though he struggled in the second half with six consecutive incompletions and a second pick. The performance showcased his arm strength but also areas for refinement in decision-making under pressure. Just a week prior, on September 14 versus UTSA, Manning had relieved Ewers late in a 56-7 win, going 9 of 12 for 223 yards and 4 touchdowns—his most efficient outing—while rushing for 53 yards and a score, helping seal the blowout.[44] His second start came on September 28 against Mississippi State, where he excelled in a 35-13 SEC opener, completing 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions, plus 33 rushing yards and another touchdown. This efficient display (84.1% completion rate) underscored his potential as a pocket passer, distributing to multiple receivers in a controlled offensive scheme led by head coach Steve Sarkisian. Later in the season, Manning saw limited passing action but contributed in critical spots, such as a 1-yard rushing touchdown against Texas A&M on November 30 to secure a 17-7 win, clinching the Longhorns' spot in the SEC Championship Game. In the playoff run, he appeared in the first-round win over Clemson (3 carries for 0 yards) but did not throw passes, as Ewers returned for the semifinal loss to Ohio State.[44] Overall, Manning finished the 2024 season with 939 passing yards on 61 of 90 attempts (67.8% completion), 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, earning a 184.0 passer rating while adding his rushing production for a total of 13 scores. His appearances provided depth during Ewers' injury concerns and energized the offense with dual-threat elements, helping Texas achieve an 11-2 record after losing the SEC Championship Game to Georgia 22-19, then winning the first-round playoff game over Clemson to reach the semifinal, where they lost to Ohio State for a final 12-3 record. Manning's poise in high-stakes moments, including a brief relief stint against Georgia on October 19 (3 of 6 for 19 yards in a 30-15 loss), hinted at his readiness for a larger role.[6][45][44]2025 season
Arch Manning entered the 2025 season as a sophomore quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, securing the starting role after a limited role in the prior year. With the Longhorns now competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following their 2024 transition, Manning faced a challenging schedule that included high-profile matchups against ranked opponents. His development became a focal point, as he aimed to build on his high school pedigree and brief college experience while leading a team with playoff aspirations.[23] Early in the season, Manning showed flashes of potential amid some inconsistency. The Longhorns opened with wins over San Jose State (38-7 on September 6), UTEP (27-10 on September 13), and Sam Houston (55-0 on September 20), where Manning efficiently managed the offense, including a strong performance against Sam Houston with over 300 passing yards. However, they lost to Ohio State (14-7 on August 30, non-conference) and Florida (29-21 on October 4). Through the first seven games, Manning completed passes at a 60.3% clip for 1,449 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions, reflecting growing pains against tougher defenses. A pivotal moment came on October 11 against No. 6 Oklahoma, where Manning's poise in a low-scoring 23-6 win helped Texas control the Red River rivalry, limiting turnovers and protecting the lead (21/27 for 166 yards, 1 TD).[46][47][48] Midseason tests further highlighted Manning's progress. Against Kentucky on October 18, he orchestrated a gritty 16-13 overtime triumph (12/27 for 132 yards, 0 passing TDs), demonstrating resilience in a defensive battle despite modest passing volume. On October 25 at Mississippi State, Manning threw for 346 yards and 3 TDs with 1 INT in a 45-38 OT win. By late October, analysts noted a turning point in his command of the offense, with improved decision-making and reduced errors. This momentum carried into November, where Manning engineered a key 34-31 upset over No. 9 Vanderbilt on November 1, throwing for 328 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-33 passing (76% completion) with no interceptions, earning praise as his best game of the year and sparking a Texas win streak.[49][50][51] Through nine games as of November 16, 2025, Manning had completed 168 of 268 passes for 2,123 yards, achieving an 18-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 146.9 passer rating, while adding 203 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns despite being sacked 18 times. His dual-threat ability contributed to Texas's 7-2 record, positioning the Longhorns for a strong finish in the SEC and potential postseason contention. Over the final stretch, Manning's recent games exceeding 300 passing yards each underscored his upward trajectory under head coach Steve Sarkisian.[52][53][54][46]| Game | Opponent | Date | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | @ Kentucky | Oct 18 | 12/27 | 132 | 0 | 0 | W 16-13 (OT) |
| 8 | vs Oklahoma (No. 6) | Oct 11 | 21/27 | 166 | 1 | 0 | W 23-6 |
| 9 | vs Vanderbilt (No. 9) | Nov 1 | 25/33 | 328 | 3 | 0 | W 34-31 |
Career statistics
Arch Manning's college career at the University of Texas spans three seasons from 2023 to 2025, during which he appeared in 21 games as a quarterback, demonstrating dual-threat capabilities through passing and rushing. His overall passing performance includes 231 completions out of 363 attempts for 3,092 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, with a 63.6% completion rate, 8.5 yards per attempt, and a 155.3 passer rating. On the ground, Manning rushed 97 times for 318 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.[6][43] The following tables detail his seasonal statistics in passing and rushing.Passing Statistics
| Season | Games | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Yards/Attempt | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 40.0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 6.0 | 90.4 |
| 2024 | 10 | 61 | 90 | 67.8 | 939 | 9 | 2 | 10.4 | 184.0 |
| 2025 | 9 | 168 | 268 | 62.7 | 2,123 | 18 | 6 | 7.9 | 146.9 |
| Career | 21 | 231 | 363 | 63.6 | 3,092 | 27 | 8 | 8.5 | 155.3 |
Rushing Statistics
| Season | Games | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Carry | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 2.3 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 25 | 108 | 4.3 | 4 |
| 2025 | 9 | 69 | 203 | 2.9 | 6 |
| Career | 21 | 97 | 318 | 3.3 | 10 |