The Texas Longhorns quarterback, Arch Manning, is carrying the weight of a legendary football name, and while he has just started two games so far in his college career, his uncle Eli Manning is proud of the way he has carried himself.
While the younger Manning is yet to enter the NFL, the comparisons with his Super Bowl-winning uncles have already been floating around. But both Eli and Manning’s father, Cooper, believe their game differs.
Eli Manning Suggests Arch Manning Is More Athletic Than He Was In College
Manning appeared in 12 games over his first two seasons at Texas from 2023-2024, making two starts, both Longhorns victories. In limited playing time, he threw for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 66.3% of his passes. The five-star recruit and top-ranked overall prospect in the class of 2023 also showcased his mobility, rushing for 115 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries.
Texas QB Arch Manning at the Manning Passing Academy..
pic.twitter.com/O1yNxNpFQN— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) June 28, 2025
As the 21-year-old prepares to take over as the full-time starter for the Longhorns in 2025, Eli praised his nephew’s poise amidst the lofty expectations attached to the Manning name. Contrasting their playing styles, the two-time Super Bowl MVP suggested that Arch is a more dynamic athlete.
“Arch is athletic, powerful, has a bigger frame, a little better ability to scramble, but I appreciate how he has handled everything,” Eli told the Austin American-Statesman. “A lot of pressure, lots of expectations, but he’s managed to stay on the radar. Very disciplined in his work ethic, in his time…just proud of him.”
Eli emphasized that Arch shouldn’t try to emulate him, Peyton, or anyone else, but rather stay true to his own identity and leadership style.
“You can’t be someone else,” he said. “You can’t say, hey, I’m gonna do this like Peyton, like Eli. You gotta know what your personality is and be yourself. I think Arch is very comfortable in his own skin. He has his way of doing things, his way of being a leader.”
Arch Manning’s Dual-Threat Ability Sets Him Apart From Uncles
One stark difference between Arch’s game and that of his uncles is his rushing ability. Peyton and Eli relied primarily on their elite passing skills, with pedestrian rushing numbers over their lengthy NFL careers.
In 16 seasons with the New York Giants from 2004-2019, Eli totaled just 567 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Similarly, Peyton accumulated 667 rushing yards and 18 scores across 18 seasons with the Colts and Broncos.
Arch’s father Cooper also revealed that Peyton and Eli didn’t spend extensive time mentoring their nephew, contrary to popular belief.
“As much as they are great influences, they weren’t around a ton,” Cooper told The Athletic. “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.'”
While their playing styles may differ, Arch appears poised to follow in Peyton and Eli’s footsteps as a potential No. 1 overall pick when he becomes draft-eligible in 2026. For now, the focus remains on leading Texas to a successful 2025 campaign and carving his own path in the Manning football legacy.