There has not been any player in recent times who created hype like that of Texas QB Arch Manning upon entering college football. Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of the Saints’ iconic quarterback Archie Manning, is crushing it in the NIL game.

Manning is currently the third-highest NIL earner among college athletes and the second-highest in college football. The Longhorns QB, with a massive social media following of over 309,000, dominates the second position with an On3 NIL valuation of over $3.1 million. 

Arch Manning has received lucrative NIL deals owing to his gridiron royalty.

The sponsors love Manning, the golden boy from the gridiron royalty. And with the love of the sponsors comes the green. There had been rumors in the past that Manning had been earning more in NIL deals than NFL MVP candidate Brock Purdy’s 49ers contract. While the Longhorns QB refuted the claim, it’s safe to say that Manning makes enough from the NIL deals to be one of the highest-earning college athletes in the states.

Manning got his first name, image, and likeness deal in July last year with the trading card company Panini America. The QB bagged a multiyear deal with Panini to create trading cards, which included exclusive autographs from Manning. Panini America first released an exclusive Prizm black autographed card, which was later auctioned on Panini’s website. It was a dream come true for Arch at first. “Getting my first Panini trading card is something I couldn’t have imagined growing up,” Manning said. 

The young QB was also glad that he could use his NIL to help children live healthier lives, as the revenues of the sale went to a Central Texas nonprofit via St. David’s HealthCare and St. David’s Foundation. “Working with Panini to have my first trading card benefit the larger community is special. Helping children live healthy and fulfilling lives is something that has always been important to my family,” said Manning. As per Fox Sports, the auction brought in over $102,500 for the charity, thanks to Manning’s name and fame. 

Manning’s biggest NIL endorsement, however, came from EA College Football 2025. The quarterback initially opted out of featuring in the highly anticipated game as he had planned to focus on developing his skills as a player at Texas. Manning was mostly redshirted last season, making only two appearances as a junior. The player, however, later changed his mind and gave the green light to EA Sports.

Manning signed an agreement with Electronic Arts that paid Manning something between $50 and $60,000 to promote the much anticipated EA College Football 25, which saw its initial release on July 19. In a video shared on Instagram, the player surprised his fans when Manning was seen with none other than his two-time Super Bowl champ uncle, Eli Manning, to advertise the game with the caption, “I’m IN the game.”

Apart from the agreed amount to promote the game, the Longhorns QB will additionally receive $600 and an exclusive copy of the game as part of the NIL deals that EA Sports worked out with the players.

Arch Manning’s future at the Texas Longhorns

Despite all the popularity and crazy NIL deals, Manning barely saw any game time with the Longhorns last fall. A prospective quarterback for the Longhorns who is speculated to be backup to Quinn Ewers made two-of-five passes for 30 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. 

“It’s tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys,” Manning said, while also dismissing the rumors about his transfer. “But it came down to just realizing there’s nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I’m going to stick it out and play there eventually,” said the young QB during media availability at Manning Passing Academy this year. If Manning can impress head coach Sarkisian, the fans of the No. 16 Longhorns quarterback might see much of him this season.

What are your thoughts on the QB’s attractive NIL deals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.