The Arch Manning era has officially arrived for the Texas Longhorns. The highly touted quarterback, who was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, is stepping into the starting role following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL. Manning’s arrival has generated immense buzz, fueled not only by his impressive talent but also by his storied football lineage.
Manning comes from a family of quarterback legends. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was a standout quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, while his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, are revered figures in both college football and the NFL. Peyton had a storied career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, and Eli spent his entire career with the New York Giants, leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories. With such a legacy, Arch Manning’s name carries significant weight and marketability. His On3 NIL valuation currently sits at an impressive $6.5 million, reflecting his high profile and potential.
Given his prominence, there has been speculation that Manning could grace the cover of the next installment of EA Sports’ college football video game, *College Football 26*, much like Quinn Ewers did for *College Football 25*. However, not everyone is convinced. On his YouTube channel, *David Pollack College Football*, former college football star and analyst David Pollack shared his thoughts on the matter. While acknowledging Manning’s star power, Pollack expressed doubt that the Texas quarterback would make the cut this time around. “I had a Texas quarterback last year,” Pollack said. “I feel like that would take that out.”
Instead, Pollack suggested that two standout wide receivers—Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith—are more likely candidates for the cover. However, he did leave the door open for Manning, noting that if EA Sports opts for a three-player cover, as it did last year, Manning could very well be the third choice.
Manning’s on-field performance has certainly bolstered his case. Over two seasons, he has thrown for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing 66.3% of his passes. He has also added 115 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Manning saw significant action during a three-game stretch this past season when Ewers was sidelined with an injury. In those games, Manning threw for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing 69.4% of his passes. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 82 yards at an impressive 8.2 yards per carry and scoring two rushing touchdowns.
Despite Manning’s growing resume and the excitement surrounding his potential, Pollack remains cautious about his chances of landing the coveted video game cover. For now, the debate continues, but one thing is certain: Arch Manning’s journey as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback is just beginning, and the football world will be watching closely.
