After two seasons of patiently waiting on the sidelines, Arch Manning is finally slated to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025. His highly anticipated debut will be closely watched by fans and family alike, including his uncle, Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
Peyton expressed his excitement about seeing Arch play, noting how impressed he was by his nephew’s recent performance at the Manning Passing Academy, where Arch demonstrated strong mechanics and poise.
Arch Manning’s Arm Strength, Swagger, and Speed Set Him Apart from Family Legacy
Peyton Manning couldn’t help but admire the arm talent on display at the academy, particularly from Arch and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The five-time NFL MVP noted that Arch possesses a stronger arm than he ever did.
Peyton highlighted a specific throw Arch made, saying it was a pass he himself wouldn’t have dared to attempt during his playing days. The comment underscored how much physical talent Arch brings to the position, even within a family known for quarterbacking excellence.

Arch’s skills extend beyond his arm strength. Peyton emphasized the different attributes that make Arch unique compared to his uncles. According to Peyton, Arch’s swagger and confidence come from his father, Cooper Manning, while his athleticism appears to come from his grandfather, Archie Manning.
Peyton joked that the speed gene “skipped” him and Eli, but not Arch. This blend of mobility, confidence, and pedigree gives Arch the potential to forge his own identity in college football.
Early Success Fuels Heisman Hype and NFL Expectations for Arch Manning’s 2025 Season
Despite limited playing time last season, Arch made a strong impression. Filling in for the injured Quinn Ewers, he led Texas to two victories and put up 13 total touchdowns—nine passing and four rushing—while posting an impressive 184.0 quarterback rating. That performance was enough to fuel speculation about his potential to become a dominant force in college football and possibly even surpass the achievements of his famous uncles.
The buzz around Arch is already reaching Heisman-level hype. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum even suggested that Arch could be the best college quarterback since Tim Tebow.
With his natural talent, famous lineage, and early flashes of greatness, Arch is seen as a top contender for college football’s highest honors. If he meets expectations, it’s not far-fetched to think he might follow in Peyton and Eli’s footsteps and eventually be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.