Pressure, parking tickets, and the weight of a storied name, that’s what Arch Manning is juggling as he takes over as the University of Texas’ starting quarterback. Off the field, life is nonstop for Manning, who has to manage practices, classes, meetings, and everything else that comes with being the most-watched athlete on campus. But with all eyes on him, even the way he gets around brings new headaches, especially for his dad.
How Is Arch Manning’s Escalade Causing His Dad Cooper Headaches?
Chris Hummer of CBS Sports reports that Manning’s choice to drive around campus isn’t making life easy for his family. With Texas-sized distances between buildings, Manning uses one of his cars to navigate the University of Texas campus, but parking is a nightmare. Just 17,000 parking spaces serve 52,000 students, so finding a spot can be nearly impossible.
This has led to a stack of parking tickets, and it’s become a running joke in the Manning family. When Hummer asked Arch’s dad, Cooper, how many tickets had been paid, Arch cut in, “I’ve paid 10.” There have even been some run-ins with the dreaded parking boot.
While the cost of tickets may not faze the Mannings, in fact, Cooper might cover them, or maybe Arch pays his dad back; having money helps soften the blow. Manning’s status as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns also makes him the top dog in the NCAA for NIL money, pulling in a staggering $6.8 million.
Manning isn’t just dealing with parking tickets, though. Expectations are sky-high for 2025. He got a taste of action in 2024, playing in 10 games and starting twice when Quinn Ewers was injured. Now, he has his first shot at leading the team for a full season as the starting quarterback.
Still, it’s clear he’s not shying away from pressure. When reporters brought up the idea of targets on his and the Longhorns’ backs this year, Manning didn’t hesitate.
“I think we kind of try to shift the narrative – we’re going for everyone else,” Manning said. “The target’s not on our back. We have a red dot on everyone else.”
Love how Arch Manning answers this “target on your back” question from @AnwarRichardson:
“I think we kind of try to shift the narrative – we’re going for everyone else. The target’s not on our back. We have a red dot on everyone else.”#HookEm @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/UL1U4QnhOW
— Dennis de la Pena (@dennisonfox7) August 25, 2025
Regardless, the talent is there. While some analysts and commentators point to Manning as a possible number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (if he decides to declare), others want to see if he can deliver week after week against the SEC’s toughest teams.
The wait is almost over. Texas opens the regular season against Ohio State on Saturday, August 30, at Noon ET in Columbus, Ohio.
