Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

The hype around the EA Sports college football video game is real. However, one player, Texas QB Arch Manning, will not appear in it. Many players have chosen to opt in giving them $600 and a free copy of the game along with being immortalized in a video game. Manning decided not to take the deal and gave a bizarre reason for it. 

Texas QB Arch Manning On EA Sports Video Game Opt Out

According to an ESPN report, Manning wants to wait until “he was the guy” at Texas before being in a video game. He is the third quarterback on the roster behind Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy. While the former number-one overall recruit will likely be the starter for the Longhorns in the future, Ewers is the clear starter for 2024. Manning apparently didn’t want to be in a video game that had him as a backup.

A Bizarre Reason

I’m trying to follow the logic on this one. I could understand a protest for the compensation or being taken advantage of, but this line of reasoning is bizarre. Is it a pride thing for Manning? He can’t stand to see himself as a 71 overall quarterback in a simulation video game? There doesn’t seem to be a downside in opting out. Furthermore, while they can’t use his name, EA Sports will put QB #16 on the Texas roster. Everyone will know that it is supposed to be Manning. It seems silly not to get something out of it.

Manning will continue to get huge hype until he is the starter. He decided to stay in Texas despite Ewers staying. It will be interesting to see if he is in future versions of the game once he becomes the starter.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Four things we learned from Joey Logano's All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Jags reportedly mulling extension for Trevor Lawrence, but is that the right choice?
Gordon Hayward calls role with Thunder 'frustrating'
Mets reliever Edwin Diaz showing short shelf life of closers
Three offseason moves the 49ers must make
Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race
Knicks star offers passionate defense of HC Tom Thibodeau after Game 7 loss
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness