10 things to know about Texas QB Arch Manning, including his family legacy

With Quinn Ewers deemed questionable due to an abdominal injury, Arch Manning could be in line for his first start at Texas.

Against UTSA, Manning displayed the sharp passing and athletic playmaking that made him a five-star recruit in the class of 2023. Here are 10 things to know Manning:

1. Football royalty

It’s no surprise that Manning became a star quarterback through his high school career after what his uncles and grandfather achieved at multiple levels. Manning said he emulates his grandfather Arch.

“I kind of model my game after his,” Manning told The Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend in Dec. 2022. “And more than that, just his personality. He’s nice to everyone. Keeps in touch with everyone. He’s just a great guy, a great role model for me.”

Archie made a name for himself at the University of Mississippi before playing in the NFL for 13 years with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. Peyton and Eli followed in Archie’s footsteps to combine for four Super Bowl wins in their professional careers.

2. Limited social media presence

It’s easy to see that Manning doesn’t use platforms like X/Twitter very much. For a long time, his only tweet was his commitment announcement to the University of Texas.

The young quarterback was being pursued by multiple big-time programs, including the heavyweights (Alabama and Georgia) in the SEC. Before Manning committed, his best friend Will Randle believed he was leaning toward Georgia.

Since moving to Austin, Manning has made a few additions to his timeline. Most of his recent tweets are centered around his NIL partnership with Panini. The last time he tweeted, it was to confirm that he would appear in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game.

3. His best friend is in Austin, too

Manning didn’t go to Austin alone. Randle is also part of the Longhorns’ football team.

The tight end committed to Texas when he and Manning visited Austin in June 2022. Randle had a private conversation with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian at his home and emerged from their meeting with a smile.

Before committing, Randle was weighing offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Kentucky. Randle was the No. 66-ranked tight end in the Class of 2023 and was listed as a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports.

4. Camaraderie in the QB room

Before Manning landed in Austin, plenty of people questioned how the dynamic would work between the young quarterback and Ewers. So far, the duo has developed a strong bond.

In June, the Southlake Carroll product told Robert Griffin III he considers the Texas quarterback room the strongest in the country.

“I really think it’s us,” Ewers said. “I mean, the way that we all prepare, you saw the spring game. We’re all capable of making great great plays. Sark and coach [AJ Milwee] have us dialed up. Actions speak for themselves.”

5. Where did that come from?

Football fans don’t normally associate the Manning name with speed. The Texas signal caller might be the outlier.

During a comfortable 56-7 win over UTSA, Manning surprised many when he broke away from the defense for a 67-yard touchdown run. According to the Austin American-Statesman, he reached 20.7 miles per hour on the rush.

Take a look at the scoring play:

Shortly after the game, Cooper Manning took to Instagram to join in on the jokes. According to Arch’s father, the quarterback got his speed from his mother.

6. Had a tough call to make as a high schooler

Arch had a shortlist of schools before he chose Texas in 2022. Among those programs were Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, LSU, SMU, Virginia and Ole Miss.

While his parents let him handle his recruiting visits, Arch’s father Cooper briefly stepped in when the young quarterback said Clemson didn’t feel like the right fit. Father advised son to immediately phone Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

“That’s a hard call for a 17-year-old,” Cooper said. “I think that’s part of growing up.”

7. Led a TD drive in Longhorns debut

Arch saw his first snaps as a Longhorn in a Nov. 2023 matchup with Texas Tech.

With Texas leading 50-7, the quarterback made the most of his second offensive possession. He connected on fourth down with fellow five-star recruit Johntay Cook II, a DeSoto alum and The Dallas Morning News’ 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. That same drive resulted in a touchdown.

8. Can he benefit from sitting and learning?

Over the 2024 offseason, a narrative floated around suggesting Arch transfer elsewhere to find playing time. A Texas legend suggested that might not be the best idea.

Hosting a football camp in Austin, Colt McCoy said sitting and developing for multiple seasons will ultimately benefit the quarterback in the long run.

“I think having the ability to sit for a couple years is not normal,” he said. “It’s not normal in college football these days, a lot of guys transfer, a lot of guys want a chance to play and that’s great. I think from [Arch Manning]’s perspective, he’s working really hard and he’s learning a bunch from [Quinn Ewers].”

9. Why didn’t Arch’s father, Cooper, play in the NFL?

Unlike his brothers, Cooper stood out on the football field at a position other than quarterback.

The first child of Archie and Olivia Manning played receiver Isidore Newman School, teaming up for a brief stint with his brother, Peyton. Cooper was an all-state player at his position and he had committed to Ole Miss to play at the collegiate level.

Before his freshman year in Oxford, Cooper was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, ending his playing career. Peyton wore the No. 18 throughout his pro career to honor his father and older brother.

10. Earned a shoutout from another Texas legend

Arch received plenty of attention after his 67-yard rushing score against UTSA. The rushing touchdown was the longest for a Texas quarterback since Vince Young’s 80-yard scamper in 2005.

Young quickly took to social media to post a shoutout for the budding star.

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