Arch Manning responds to question about 'the real UT' and arguing with Peyton Manning about Texas vs Tennessee

About an hour later, Texas quarterback Arch Manning was asked by a reporter if he ever argues with his uncle, Vols legend Peyton Manning, about which program is the real UT. 

"That's funny," responded Arch. "He's actually been to the facility (at Texas) a few times to tour, and he's made some inside jokes. But I think he's pulling for me, so we don't really argue about that. But he's definitely a legend at Tennessee, I'll tell you that."

"I think we're pretty good at every sport," added Arch when asked why Texas should be considered the real UT. "We won the [LEARFIELD Directors] cup this year again, so we're firing on all cylinders." 

I'm sure Peyton's had a few quips for Arch, but there's also no doubt that he'll be pulling hard for his nephew this fall. 

And that will likely be true even if Arch ends up taking the field against Peyton's Vols. 

"I haven't gotten that far," said Peyton earlier this summer to The Sporting News' Bill Bender when asked who he'll cheer for if Arch plays against the Vols. "I pull hard for my Tennessee Volunteers every single week, but I'll be pulling hard for my nephew this year."

Tennessee and Texas aren't scheduled to play each other in 2025, but the two programs could meet in the SEC Championship Game or the College Football Playoff. 

The Vols and the Longhorns will likely play each other during the 2026 regular season, so Peyton could have a tough decision to make if Arch returns to Austin next fall (Arch will be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft).