Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arch Manning Reveals 'No Brainer' Career Move Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emily Bicks | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 9:22 PM ET

With Arch Manning's famous lineage, he's the grandson of College Football Hall of Famer Archie Manning, nephew of Super Bowl champions Eli and Peyton Manning, the hype surrounding his first year as the Texas Longhorns starting quarterback couldn't be higher.

The 21-year-old made just two starts last season in place of an injured Quinn Ewers, however, the former No. 1 overall pick recruit is already considered the favorite to win this year's Heisman Trophy,

While most college stars rack up as many NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals as possible, Manning has been very selective over which brands he works with.

He's signed deals with Red Bull, Panini, Uber, and Vuori. He has a total of 17 posts on his Instagram page. However, Manning told me his latest collaboration was a "no brainer."

Manning, along with Archie, and his father, Cooper, surprised fans by working a shift at Raising Cane's in Thibodaux, Lousiana, where the family is hosting their annual Manning Passing Academy.

Joining the Manning crew on June 26, Raising Cane's owner and founder, Todd Graves, a longtime family friend and sponsor of the Manning Passing Academy. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeiere also helped serve chicken fingers on Thursday.

On being selective about his sponsorships, the Longhorns star said it's not just about focusing on football.

"I think you don’t want to be the guy that has a bunch of deals," Manning said. "You want to be smart and go with good, big companies. And Cane’s was just the right fit. They’ve treated my family so well, it was a no-brainer."

On continuing to partner with the Mannings, "No. 1 they’re just an incredible family," Graves said. He also donated $1 million to the Manning Children's Hospital in New Orleans.

"Just so much respect starting with Archie and [his wife] Olivia and all the way to down Arch. They wanna make people better, that’s what Manning Passing Academy is all about.

"And they’ve had the best go through, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and they came as college quarterbacks and learned so much."

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

More must-reads: