All eyes will be on Arch Manning this year, as he undergoes his true test of mettle as a QB1 in college. Arch is football royalty: A five-star recruit out of high school with Manning blood coursing through his veins.
Advertisement
The Manning family has produced three former players, all of whom were quarterbacks. Archie Manning began the family tradition, taken forward by sons Eli Manning and Peyton Manning. Combined, they have four Super Bowls and five MVPs. Arch is the heir apparent.
With fans, the Texas Longhorns, and his family expecting big things, it feels like Arch is destined for greatness. So far, he seems to be on the right path. His uncle, Eli, is excited to finally see Arch get his shot to start. “I’m just proud of Arch… He’s just a great kid, he’s dialed into everything going on,” Eli told Get Up, before elaborating on the young quarterback’s insatiable thirst to learn.
The two-time Super Bowl MVP spoke about the way Arch picks his brain. “He’s a sponge right now. Every time I see him, he’s asking questions,” added Eli.
It’s the exact mentality you want to see if you’re a Longhorns fan. When you have Hall of Fame resources on hand, you have to use them, and Arch is doing just that.
Sure, Eli isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet, but he should be. Regardless, picking the brain of a guy who won two Super Bowls is a great way to level up your game. Eli then commented on Arch’s play style and certain skills that will help him succeed at the college level.
.@EliManning gives encouragement to his nephew and Texas QB Arch Manning:
“I’m just proud of Arch. … He’s just dialed into everything going on. He’s a sponge right now. … He’s worked his tail off. I’ve seen it.” pic.twitter.com/1Vgcc0lnl9
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 15, 2025
“He’s a great athlete. He has some of the ability to do those read options to run. He has the ability on 3rd down and 7, and no one’s open, you know, go run. Go get 10 yards and a first down. Because of that, there are some coverages [that] teams maybe won’t play [against] him,” Eli said.
In addition, Arch reportedly has the same elite footwork that both Peyton and Eli had when they played. It does run in the family. And it will pay dividends when it comes to escaping the pocket and deciding whether to run or pass on critical downs.
However, Arch has an incredibly tough challenge in Week 1 of the 2025 CFB season. The Longhorns go to Ohio State, the defending champs. But Eli thinks his nephew is up for the challenge.
“It’s not an easy task to come in Week 1 and go to Ohio State, the defending champions, and go into their house and try to play well. But I think he’s up for the challenge; he’s worked his tail off. I’ve seen it,” said Eli.
The opening game of the season itself will provide the answer to all the questions about Arch’s legitimacy. One can only wonder how much pressure he’ll be feeling going into the matchup.
All in all, it’s great to see the family lineage continue to prosper in the football world. Who knows, maybe in 20 to 30 years, we’ll see another Manning making waves in college.
But for now, it’s all eyes on Arch as he starts his journey toward the NFL.
