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‘I’m Watching Some of Their College Films Right Now’: Arch Manning Gets Real on His Football Role Models

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 9:02 AM ET

As Arch Manning prepares to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, he is drawing inspiration from two of the NFL’s brightest stars. Manning has openly stated that he is studying the college films of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, recognizing their skills and competitive spirit as models for his own development.

Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, carries high expectations as he transitions into college football. His choice of role models is telling; both Allen and Burrow have established themselves as elite quarterbacks known for their resilience and ability to make plays under pressure. By emulating their styles, Manning hopes to bring similar success to Texas, which is aiming for a championship run.

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the second half of the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesn Images

The influence of Allen and Burrow extends beyond their on-field abilities; their leadership qualities also resonate with Manning. As he navigates the challenges of starting at a high-profile program, understanding how to lead a team is crucial. Manning’s willingness to incorporate lessons from these quarterbacks demonstrates his maturity and readiness to embrace the spotlight.

As the Longhorns gear up for the 2025 season, the pressure will be on Manning to perform. He inherits an offense that has seen significant turnover, including the loss of key players to the NFL Draft. However, with the support of head coach Steve Sarkisian and a fresh roster, Manning is poised to showcase his skills and make an impact.

Texas Longhorns Star Arch Manning Admits Modeling His Game to Two NFL Quarterbacks

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Just recently, Manning admitted he modeled his game on Allen and Burrow. This can be seen in a post shared by B/R CFB on Instagram.

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Fans are eagerly anticipating Manning’s debut, and his dedication to learning from established talents has sparked excitement. The combination of his pedigree and the influence of successful quarterbacks could set the stage for a breakthrough season. If Manning can apply what he has learned, he may well exceed the lofty expectations set for him.

Manning’s focus on Josh Allen and Joe Burrow illustrates his commitment to developing as a quarterback. As he steps into his new role with the Texas Longhorns, the lessons learned from these NFL stars will be invaluable. In any case, a lot of eyes will be on the college football star to see whether he has what it takes to make it to the pros and play with his role models.