Arch Manning. This name’s going to be a constant headline in 2025. But before the Manning Era officially begins in Austin, here’s some juice from the 2024 season as Quinn Ewers‘ backup. Normally, Arch isn’t the type to generate media buzz with big statements. So while the world suspected there was tension between the two QBs, we never really knew for sure until his emotions during the season got exposed by his Texas freshman brother. 

This season, Arch isn’t the only Manning attending the University of Texas, although their paths are different. Heid Manning, the youngest son of Cooper Manning, is entering his first semester as an active fraternity member after his pledge in the fall.

On February 8, he sat down for an interview with Horns247 along with his father, where he spoke about his relationship with Arch. “I think we’ve both been there for each other throughout our college experiences,” Heid stated. “During pledgeship, it was always nice to be able to call him and talk about stuff. And I think during the season, he was able to call me and talk. I think whenever he called and I could tell he was frustrated or not 100 percent, I would usually just try to make him laugh or divert the conversation.”

Frustration? Yeah, you can understand why. Arch Manning isn’t just any 5-star QB — he’s a Manning. And yet, despite the hype, he had to wait behind Quinn Ewers, whom Steve Sarkisian insisted was the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. The 19-year-old didn’t get much playing time, but when he did, he delivered.

Take the UTSA game when he replaced an injured Ewers. He set records with his 67-yard rushing TD and 75-yard passing TD, becoming the first player in the Longhorns’ history to record 65+ yard scores in passing and running. The fanbase was fired up. 

So, it made no sense to fans when Quinn Ewers still took the lead despite his turnover issues. No real instances of tension crept up between the two, but from Arch’s standpoint, it might be frustrating to see Texas losing momentum, especially in their matchups against Georgia, where they lost in both games. Who wouldn’t? Still, he made the point clear that there’s no such thing as a serious beef between the two, saying, “I’m not here to take someone off their throne.” And you might want to take his word for it, for all he cares about is playing football.

Arch Manning has no time for media drama

Take it from Cooper Manning, who told Horns247, “Arch has no interest in the clutter. He has no interest in the hype or doing excessive media and the kind of junk that goes along with it. He just wants to play b— and be a regular guy, which is hard to do, and I don’t think that’s possible. But that’s how he’s wired.” Remember when Arch Manning opted out of the EA Sports CFB video game that every player was dying to be in? It only makes sense to what his dad’s saying. 

“I’m not worried about my legacy,” Arch previously said. But it’s not just the family name; he’s a proven elite QB. Perhaps better than Eli Manning and Peyton Manning?

As a 5-star recruit, he broke both his uncles’ HS records, surpassing Eli’s 7,268 yards with 8,599 yards and Peyton’s 93 TDs with 115 TDs. Whether the upcoming season will be a boom remains to be seen. But he’s in good hands, as Heid added, “I think Arch will have no problem dealing with the pressure, just because he’s never let the hype or social media nonsense get to his head.” With a strong support system from his non-football friends and his balanced life between football and social life, he already has the making and mindset of a rising legend. 

Perhaps Arch Manning’s humility is another attractive trait that has won him hordes of fans in Austin and beyond. And whether or not he wants the spotlight, it’s coming for him anyway.