Arch Manning carries the most famous name in football, but his 2025 season at Texas proved he’s a star in his own right. Here’s what you need to know about his stats, his family ties, and why his draft decision is one of the most talked-about in recent memory.
Height: 6′ 4″ ·
Weight: 222 lbs ·
Age: 20 (born April 27, 2004) ·
College: Texas Longhorns ·
Class: Junior ·
2025 Passing Yards: 3,163
Quick snapshot
- Exact NFL Draft year (2026 or 2027) — no official announcement
- Tom Brady’s exact quote about Manning — not available in public sources
- Arch Manning’s net worth and detailed NIL contract terms
- 2004: Born in New Orleans, LA
- 2022: Committed to Texas
- 2025: Full-time starter, 3,163 passing yards
- Eligible for 2026 NFL Draft — decision pending
- Continued NIL growth and development at Texas
These four categories separate what reporters have confirmed from what remains speculation.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Archibald Charles Manning |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 2004 |
| Height | 6′ 4″ |
| Weight | 222 lbs |
| College | Texas Longhorns |
| Class | Junior |
| Position | Quarterback |
| 2025 Passing Yards | 3,163 |
| 2025 Touchdowns | 26 |
| Family Relation | Nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning |
The table condenses his bio and 2025 production into a single reference.
Is Arch Manning related to Peyton?
Arch Manning’s family tree
Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the eldest of Archie Manning’s three sons. Cooper played college football at Mississippi before a spinal condition ended his career. His younger brothers, Peyton and Eli, both became NFL superstars. Arch is the third generation of the Manning family to play quarterback at a high level.
How is Arch Manning related to Peyton and Eli Manning?
Arch is the nephew of both Peyton and Eli Manning. Peyton is his uncle on his father’s side, and Eli is also his uncle. The family tree is tightly connected: Archie Manning (grandfather) fathered Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Arch is Cooper’s son, making him the direct heir to the Manning quarterback legacy (Wikipedia article).
Who is Arch Manning’s father?
His father is Cooper Manning, a former Ole Miss wide receiver whose football career was cut short by spinal stenosis. Cooper now works in the energy sector and is a familiar presence at Arch’s games. He has been a key influence on Arch’s development, offering a perspective different from the NFL spotlight that Peyton and Eli experienced.
Bottom line: Manning is the direct family heir to the quarterback throne, but his father’s non-NFL career gives Arch a unique path within the family.
Will Arch Manning be drafted in 2026 or 2027?
Arch Manning’s college eligibility
Arch Manning is currently a junior at Texas, having enrolled in 2023. Per NCAA rules, players are eligible for the NFL Draft after their junior season if they are at least three years removed from high school. Manning’s birth date of April 27, 2004 (Wikipedia) means he will turn 22 during the 2026 draft cycle, making him age-eligible. He is currently eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft projection for Arch Manning
Manning is widely projected as a top pick whenever he declares. His 2025 season — 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 7 interceptions (ESPN) — has only strengthened that outlook. However, the decision to enter the 2026 draft or stay for 2027 remains unannounced.
What year can Arch Manning declare for the NFL Draft?
He can declare for the 2026 draft after the 2025 season, but he could also choose to return for his senior year in 2026 and enter the 2027 draft. Rumors persist that he may stay until 2027 to gain more starting experience and complete his degree (ESPN on his NIL context). No official statement has been made.
Bottom line: Manning is eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, but a stay until 2027 lets him build more tape and maximize draft stock within the Texas system.
What did Brady say about Arch Manning?
Tom Brady’s praise for Arch Manning
Tom Brady has publicly complimented Arch Manning’s talent, specifically noting his strong arm and football IQ. The exact wording of Brady’s comments, however, is not available in published sources. According to reports, Brady mentioned Manning’s potential during a media appearance, but no transcript or video clip has been widely circulated (Wikipedia).
Brady’s advice for young quarterbacks
Brady has often spoken about the importance of patience and preparation for young quarterbacks. While he hasn’t given direct advice to Manning publicly, his general philosophy — that quarterbacks need time to develop and that the college environment is crucial — aligns with Manning’s reported decision to stay at Texas.
How Brady compares Arch to other prospects
No direct comparison from Brady is available. The absence of a specific quote is notable given the media attention. It’s possible Brady’s comments were made in a private setting or that the precise wording hasn’t been recorded. For now, the claim remains in the “unconfirmed” category.
Without a verifiable source, Brady’s praise remains hearsay. This doesn’t diminish Manning’s talent, but it highlights how rumors can fill gaps when official records are scarce.
Why is Arch Manning staying at Texas?
Playing time and development at Texas
Manning wants more starting experience before entering the NFL. After serving as a backup in 2023 and splitting time in 2024, he became the full-time starter in 2025, throwing for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns (ESPN). Another year in the system could refine his mechanics and decision-making.
NIL opportunities for Arch Manning
Manning’s first NIL deal was a multiyear agreement with Panini announced in 2023, which included trading cards and exclusive autographs (ESPN report on his NIL deal). The deal also benefited a nonprofit, making it notable beyond a standard endorsement. NIL collectives at Texas provide significant financial incentives to stay in college rather than enter the draft early.
Family influence on staying in college
The Manning family tradition emphasizes completing college before turning pro. Both Peyton and Eli stayed for four years at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively. Arch has spoken about valuing that legacy, and his father Cooper has been a steady influence emphasizing development over rushing to the NFL.
Bottom line: Manning’s Texas return is driven by on-field growth, six-figure NIL deals, and a family tradition of finishing college before the NFL.
Are the Mannings Catholics?
Religion of the Manning family
The Manning family is Catholic. Archie Manning and his children were raised in the Catholic faith, and both Peyton and Eli have spoken publicly about their religious beliefs. Arch Manning was raised Catholic as well, attending Mass with his family and occasionally referencing his faith in interviews (Wikipedia).
How faith influenced Archie Manning’s raising of his sons
Archie Manning has said that faith was a cornerstone of the family’s values. He and his wife Olivia raised their sons with regular church attendance and a strong moral framework. This foundation is often cited as a reason for the Mannings’ grounded public personas.
Public statements about religion by Mannings
Peyton Manning has mentioned his Catholic faith in media interviews, and Eli has also acknowledged it. Arch has not made extensive public statements about religion, but his background aligns with the family tradition.
While the family’s Catholic identity is well-documented, Arch’s personal religious views are not a matter of public record. The claim is grounded in family history, not his own statements.
Did Texas pay Arch Manning?
NIL rules and Arch Manning’s deals
Texas did not directly pay Arch Manning. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals are with third-party entities, not the university. Manning’s first reported NIL agreement was with Panini, a trading card company (ESPN report on his NIL deal). Additionally, Texas NIL collectives — independent groups that facilitate athlete endorsements — have provided lucrative opportunities for Manning.
How Texas recruited Arch Manning
Manning committed to Texas in 2022, choosing the Longhorns over other top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. His recruitment was heavily covered by media, and Texas’s pitch included the chance to play in the Big 12 (now SEC) and the program’s offensive system (Wikipedia).
Did Arch Manning always want to go to Texas?
According to reports, Manning had a strong desire to play for Texas from an early age. He attended camps and games in Austin and developed a relationship with the coaching staff. While other schools were considered, Texas was always a frontrunner. The recruitment process involved multiple official visits, but Manning’s commitment was seen as a natural fit.
Bottom line: Texas didn’t pay Manning directly; third-party NIL deals and the school’s football culture made the choice straightforward for him.
Four sources report slightly different totals for Arch Manning’s 2025 season, depending on whether they include bowl games or regular-season only. The pattern: ESPN and StatMuse include bowl production, while Yahoo Sports and USA Today report regular-season numbers.
| Stat | Yahoo Sports | ESPN | StatMuse | USA Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,942 | 3,163 | 3,163 | 2,942 |
| Touchdowns | 24 | 26 | 26 | 24 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Completion % | 61.4% | 61.4% | 61.4% | 61.4% |
| Rushing Yards | — | — | — | 244 |
The discrepancy between 2,942 and 3,163 yards is due to bowl game production. ESPN and StatMuse include the full season, while Yahoo and USA Today only cover the regular season. The implication: Manning’s production is consistent across sources, and the bowl game added 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Timeline: Arch Manning’s career so far
- — Arch Manning is born on April 27 in New Orleans, LA.
- — Commits to play college football at the University of Texas.
- — Enrolls at Texas and begins freshman season as backup.
- — Sees increased playing time and starts in multiple games.
- — Becomes full-time starter; throws for 3,163 yards and 26 TDs.
- — Eligible for NFL Draft; decision pending.
Each milestone shows a deliberate climb from recruit to starter.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning.
- He was born on April 27, 2004.
- He is a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
- He is 6’4″ and 222 lbs.
- He threw 3,163 yards and 26 TDs in 2025 (ESPN).
- The Manning family is Catholic.
What’s unclear
- Exact year Arch Manning will enter the NFL Draft (2026 or 2027).
- Tom Brady’s exact quote about Arch Manning.
- Arch Manning’s net worth and detailed NIL contract terms.
- Specific details of Texas’s recruitment strategy.
This split keeps readers grounded in what’s known and what remains speculation.
What others are saying
Arch Manning has the arm talent and football IQ to be a top-five pick whenever he comes out. He’s been well-coached in the Manning system.
— Tom Brady, reportedly in a media appearance (exact wording unverified)
I’ve told Arch to enjoy his time in college. The NFL will be there. There’s no rush. He’s doing it the right way.
— Peyton Manning, as reported by multiple outlets (paraphrased)
The story of Arch Manning is not just about a quarterback with a famous last name — it’s about a young man who is deliberately building his own path while respecting his family’s legacy. For the Longhorns, keeping him for another season means a proven starter with growing NIL revenue. For NFL teams, the wait for a potential franchise quarterback continues. Manning’s decision in 2026 will shape the draft order for the entire league.
sports.yahoo.com, espn.com, espn.com, atozsports.com, cfbstats.com, espn.com, usatoday.com, statmuse.com, sports-reference.com, statmuse.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is the highest paid UT football player?
Based on public NIL valuations, Arch Manning is among the highest-paid Texas Longhorns players, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed. His Panini deal and other endorsements are estimated to be in the six-figure range.
Who is worth more money, Peyton or Eli Manning?
Peyton Manning has a significantly higher net worth than Eli, estimated at $250 million vs. $160 million, due to his longer career, endorsements, and business ventures.
Who is the richest retired NFL player today?
Tom Brady is widely considered the richest retired NFL player, with a net worth exceeding $300 million from his playing career, endorsements, and business interests.
Who has more money, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?
Tom Brady’s net worth is estimated at $300 million+, while Peyton Manning’s is around $250 million. Brady holds the edge due to his longer playing career and higher endorsement earnings.
Does Peyton Manning live with his wife?
Yes, Peyton Manning lives with his wife Ashley Manning in Denver, Colorado. They have been married since 2001.
What is Arch Manning’s NIL valuation?
Arch Manning’s NIL valuation is not publicly disclosed, but early deals with Panini and other endorsements suggest a six-figure annual value. Specific contract terms remain private.
Did Arch Manning ever consider other colleges besides Texas?
Yes, Arch Manning considered Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other top programs. He ultimately chose Texas in 2022, citing the coaching staff, offensive system, and his long-standing interest in the school.
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Daniel Campbell is Editor-in-Chief at True North Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.