Arch Manning has appeared in just 12 games over his two-year collegiate career, making two starts — both of which the Texas Longhorns won. He has performed well in limited time, throwing for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. The five-star — and top-ranked overall — prospect in the 2023 recruiting class has completed 66.3% of his pass attempts while adding 115 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries.
He is set to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL. While he has often drawn comparisons to his legendary uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, his father, Cooper Manning, recently discussed the differences in their quarterback styles.
Arch Manning’s Father, Cooper, Discusses Comparisons to Uncles Peyton and Eli Manning
The latest quarterback in the Manning family tree is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, provided he lives up to his previous play in limited action. His father, Cooper Manning, addressed comparisons to his Super Bowl champion brothers in a recent interview with The Athletic, stating:
“As much as they are great influences, they weren’t around a ton. I don’t think Eli ever saw Arch play a high school or college football game. He is coming in this year. Peyton would come in for a game or two occasionally. Arch would see them at the Manning Passing Academy and may see ’em at Mardi Gras, but that’s like five nights in a year, so it’s hard to say whether he’s ‘like them or like someone else.’
“I do think you can pick up little pieces of people that you like. Arch is probably just as likely to pick up a habit of Patrick Mahomes as he is of Eli with things that you just like about people and the way they handle themselves. And fortunately, anybody who watches anything can get more exposure to players they like and want to mimic.”
The piece also revealed that Manning’s parents protected him from fame — he did not have a cellphone until middle school.
Arch Manning didn’t have a cell phone until middle school. His curfew was earlier than his friends.
Meanwhile, he was receiving scholarship calls in sixth grade.
So, how do you raise the next quarterback star with a famous last name? pic.twitter.com/a5BrS9J3BH
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 25, 2025
Manning’s parents’ strategy paid off, as Arch entered the collegiate level as one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory. Despite entering the 2025 season as a first-time starter, he is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.