Arch Manning is one of the most talked-about names in college football — not just because of his performance on the field, but also due to his legendary football lineage and growing commercial appeal. Whether you’re an NFL Draft follower, a Texas Longhorns fan, or just curious about Manning family history, here’s everything you need to know.
Who Is Arch Manning?
Archibald “Arch” Manning, born April 27, 2004, is the starting quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns and one of college football’s most hyped players. A consensus five-star recruit from Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Arch lived up to expectations as a record-breaking high school signal-caller before committing to Texas — choosing the Longhorns over top college programs.
Manning Family Legacy: Related to Peyton Manning
Arch Manning comes from what many call football’s first family. His family tree includes:
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Grandfather: Archie Manning — former Saints quarterback and beloved NFL figure.
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Father: Cooper Manning — the oldest Manning son and Arch’s dad, whose own football career ended early due to a spinal condition.
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Uncles: Peyton and Eli Manning — both legendary NFL quarterbacks; Peyton is a Hall of Famer with two Super Bowl wins, and Eli also won two Super Bowls.
How he’s related to Peyton Manning:
Peyton is Arch’s uncle — meaning Arch grew up around elite football minds and a family deeply steeped in NFL history.
Who Is His Dad? Cooper Manning
Arch’s father is Cooper Manning, the oldest son of Archie and brother to Peyton and Eli. While Cooper showed promise as a wide receiver in high school and earned a scholarship to Ole Miss, his playing career was cut short by spinal stenosis, a condition that prevented him from competing. He later built a successful career outside of sports.
Despite not playing in the NFL himself, Cooper remains an influential figure in Arch’s life — supportive but not overbearing — allowing his son to forge his own path in college football.
Arch Manning’s NIL Deals
With NCAA rules allowing players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), Arch has become one of the highest-earning college athletes. Major developments include:
Panini America trading card deal — This was his first official NIL agreement, featuring exclusive autographed cards, with proceeds from a high-value auction benefiting charity.
Red Bull and other brand partnerships — Arch has also signed deals with major consumer brands including Red Bull, Uber, Waymo, and clothing and eyewear companies — contributing to multi-million dollar NIL revenue.
What makes Arch’s approach unique is that he and his family initially delayed NIL earnings until he became a starter, focusing first on performance and development.
NFL Draft Outlook: 2026 or Later?
Much of the NFL Draft buzz around Arch centers on when he will declare:
Decision to Stay at Texas:
Latest reports confirm that Arch will not enter the 2026 NFL Draft, opting instead to return for another college season with the Longhorns. This decision was confirmed by his father, Cooper, and Texas program sources. His 2025 season ended strong after early ups and downs, and the belief is that another full season will help his development and draft stock.
Future Draft Potential:
If he continues to develop as expected, Arch is widely anticipated to be a top-tier NFL prospect when he eventually declares — with many analysts projecting a future top-pick status, possibly in the 2027 NFL Draft class.
Why Arch Manning Matters
Arch is more than just a famous surname — he represents the next generation of a football dynasty and a player with elite talent, commercial appeal, and massive expectations. Whether you’re tracking his NIL earnings, draft stock, or family background, there’s no question he’s one of the most intriguing athletes in college sports today.
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