Arch Manning, now the starting quarterback at Texas, is the latest in a storied line of passers that began with his grandfather, Archie Manning, who starred at Ole Miss. Athleticism in the Manning lineage has taken various forms. This year’s Manning Passing Academy was a fitting stage for Archie to praise Arch’s dedication.
Arch Manning’s Grind Draws High Praise From Grandfather Archie
As Arch Manning prepares for his first full season as Texas’s starting quarterback, few voices carry more weight than that of his grandfather, Archie Manning. Speaking at the family’s annual Manning Passing Academy, the former Ole Miss All-American and longtime NFL quarterback praised Arch’s commitment and drive.
Had the chance to talk to Archie Manning…
Asked his thoughts on Arch’s development and the advice he gave Arch about being a “good guy”
“He’s really kind of a gym rat so he likes to workout. He’s gotten bigger, stronger, maybe faster I’m not sure”#HookEm | #Texas pic.twitter.com/xGBPcsNM70
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) June 27, 2025
“He’s really kind of a gym rat, so he likes to work out,” Archie said. “He’s gotten bigger, stronger, maybe faster, I’m not sure.”
The comment came during an interview with Cory Mose, where Archie spoke candidly about Arch’s physical development and mindset entering the 2025 campaign.
Archie, who spent 14 seasons with the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, emphasized that while his grandson has made clear progress, the next step is gaining in-game experience.
“You just learn things in a game that you can’t learn in practice,” he said. “He’s worked hard. We hope he can stay healthy.”
Though Archie has the resume to offer high-level football advice, he was an All-American at Ole Miss, he has never seen himself as a coach to his football-famous family.
“That’s just what I am. I’m not a coach. I never was,” he said. “I never tried to be a coach with Peyton or Eli or Cooper. Same way with Arch. I just try to be his grandfather.”
That approach has helped forge a strong relationship. Arch, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class per On3, shared how much his grandfather means to him.
“We’re really close,” he said. “He came over to the house all the time. Went to all my practices in high school. He texts me every single morning no matter what.”
Arch spent the past two seasons developing behind Quinn Ewers, making two starts in 2024. Now with the starting job his, Archie believes the experience will help his grandson learn how to maximize his strengths.
“He needs to know when to go ahead and run and run hard, but when to get on the ground and go out of bounds,” Archie said. “The main thing is I want him to stay healthy. We’re proud of Arch. He works hard.”
With Texas coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, expectations around Arch and the program are sky high.
