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'Arch got that moxie': Peyton Manning reveals what Arch Manning can build on as he enters first season as Texas' starting QB

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 4:22 PM ET

The attention around Arch Manning is about to peak at levels beyond what we saw over the last several years. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, Arch Manning not only has to deal with outside expectations, the usual internal struggle that comes with adversity, but also the brightest spotlight possible.

Arch Manning has been on the tips of everyone's tongues, including Steve Spurrier's and Peyton Manning's. On Monday, Peyton joined ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show to talk all things quarterback as the family hosted their annual Manning Passing Academy.

Arch was present, and Peyton was excited to talk about what separates his nephew from himself and Eli.

"Like all quarterbacks, we've got to be able to throw from the pocket first and throw it on time and not take a lot of hits. So that's what we talked about with all of them (at the Manning Passing Academy). Know your system, know your answers. But when it's time to make a play, go out there and make a play with your legs, so I think he understands that."

“Arch got that moxie from his dad and his speed is gonna help him..

He understands when he needs to make a play with his legs” ~ Peyton Manning #PMSLive https://t.co/newrQE146n pic.twitter.com/PcS2qaNsJK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 30, 2025

While Peyton and Eli were respectable athletes in their prime, Arch is much more nimble and capable as a runner. Texas routinely featured Arch on rush subpackages where he could batter into defenses near the goal line. He rewarded the Longhorns with 108 yards and four scores on the ground.

This year will be much different, and his upbringing will play a part in how he handles unprecedented pressure.

Ultimately, Arch's focus, internal drive, and poise are what will define his ceiling in 2025 and beyond. The on-field results in small snippets have been promising, completing 68% of passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions last year.

A full-time starting gig where the Longhorns start the season at Ohio State will be a much more revealing challenge, though. We're excited to see how Arch's journey unfolds as he becomes the man in Austin.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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