Arch Manning isn’t just carrying the weight of a legendary football name. He’s also rewriting what it means to be a Manning quarterback. The Texas Longhorns freshman has already turned heads, not just for his skill set, but for a rare quality that sets him apart from his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning.
College football analysts couldn’t help but highlight this unique trait while giving a cheeky nod to the generational difference in Manning family QBs.
Analyst Praises Arch Manning While Trolling Peyton and Eli
On a recent episode of the “Crain and Company” podcast, David Cone pointed out Arch Manning’s ability to use his legs, something neither Peyton nor Eli were known for. Cone’s playful jab quickly gained attention among football fans.
“What a world we live in. One of the Manning quarterbacks is a threat to run,” joked Jake Crain, setting up Cone’s response.
Cone doubled down, saying, “I know. Like his grandpa, not like his uncles. Like his namesake, Archie.”
The numbers back Cone’s observation. Peyton and Eli, both NFL legends, relied heavily on their exceptional passing abilities, but their rushing stats were far from impressive. In 16 seasons, Eli racked up just 567 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Peyton managed 667 yards and 18 scores in 18 seasons.
Meanwhile, their father, Archie Manning, was a different story. He recorded 2,197 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in his 18-season-long NFL career. Now Arch seems to be following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
In his limited action with Texas this season, Arch has already shown that he can hurt defenses with his legs as much as his arm. The freshman quarterback played seven games this season and had 20 carries for 95 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Steve Sarkisian Praises Arch Manning’s Development
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has been vocal about Arch’s rapid growth during his first season in Austin. Sarkisian recently reflected on how stepping up in Quinn Ewers’ absence gave Manning invaluable experience and boosted the team’s confidence in him.
“[Arch Manning] continues to prepare at a really high level,” Sarkisian said. “I think Arch was fortunate to get so much experience early in the season when Quinn got hurt. He really got two and a half games under his belt. Two starts…so, all those things I think gave him confidence but gave us confidence in him.”
With the Longhorns set to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game, the head coach hinted at more surprises in the playbook involving Manning’s unique skill set. As the Longhorns gear up for their biggest test yet, all eyes will be on the young QB who’s already proven he’s not just a Manning by name, he’s a Manning with his own legacy to build.
When Is Arch Manning Draft Eligible?
When Will Texas QB Arch Manning Be Eligible for the NFL Draft?
Manning will be eligible for the NFL Draft at the start of the 2025 college football season. At that point, Manning will have accrued two full years of experience at the CFB level.
The 2026 NFL Draft, by extension, is the first draft event in which Manning will be eligible to partake. He is not eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft and must return to college football after the 2024 campaign.
Manning was a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall talent in the 2023 high school class. He achieved early stardom as a standout at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans — the city where his grandfather Archie Manning distinguished himself in the NFL.
Arch’s prestige was only magnified by his status as the Manning patriarch’s grandson and as the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and two-time Super Bowl champion QB Eli Manning.
Arch’s uncles — Peyton and Eli — were both selected first overall in their respective drafts. Time will tell if the younger Manning can follow their example.