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Arch Manning Reveals Which Family Member His Game Most Resembles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 11:25 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns football team is entering a new era with highly anticipated quarterback Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, taking the reins as the next starting quarterback after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for the past two seasons.

After redshirting in 2023, Manning still has three years of eligibility remaining. He was a five-star prospect and one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the Class of 2023 coming out of high school.

This past season, he saw more time on the field and even drew a start against Louisiana-Monroe, marking his first career start. However, he was mainly used in specific packages throughout the season.

Now, after signing a major NIL deal with Red Bull on Thursday, ESPN revealed a sit-down interview between Manning and Marty Smith. During the interview, Smith asked the young quarterback which family member his game most resembles—whether that be his father, Cooper, whose career was cut short due to a medical issue, Peyton, Eli, or his grandfather, Archie.

"I think probably like my grandfather," Manning said. "He could run around a little bit, make plays, use a little more of his athleticism, but I like to take bits and pieces from everyone."

"I kinda wanted to bring Texas back."

Arch Manning sat down with @MartySmithESPN to talk @TexasFootball, which family member his game is most like and his college experience so far pic.twitter.com/KxuDhb7uPi
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 30, 2025

Arch Manning was then asked what pieces he takes away from Peyton. "Just his preparation, his accuracy, the way he leads other guys, and gets the most out of his teammates."

As for Eli, Arch said, "I really like how Eli—nothing really phased him. He was up in New York with the media; they'd have good years, bad years, and he kind of stayed level-headed. He would throw for 400 yards or throw four interceptions, and you couldn't tell the difference, so I really respected that."

Now, it’s Arch Manning’s time in Austin, a moment fans have been calling for throughout the season. After Texas fell short in back-to-back seasons in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, he will now have the opportunity to help get them over the hump, alongside head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has rejuvenated the Longhorns program since taking over.

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

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