Arch Manning, the latest sensation in college football, is making waves both on and off the field. As the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, Manning has caught the attention of football fans and the business world, thanks to his lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
His journey is fascinating, and his financial exploits are hard to ignore. Manning faces real challenges as he tries to balance the pressures of being a high-profile athlete in the NIL era.
The Rise of Arch Manning
Arch Manning’s rise to fame has been fast—almost dizzying. Unlike most college players, he was already a celebrity before he ever took a snap for Texas.
Being the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning, he was basically born in the spotlight. His standout high school performances just added fuel to the hype, making him one of the most talked-about recruits in years.
From High School Phenom to College Star
Manning’s move from high school to college was under a microscope. The combination of his famous last name, five-star status, and his choice to play for Texas only made the spotlight brighter.
By the time he took the field as the Longhorns’ starter, he was already a household name. It’s wild how quickly that happened, isn’t it?
NIL Deals and Financial Impact
The introduction of NIL deals has changed college sports in a big way, letting athletes finally profit from their own fame. Arch Manning is a prime example of this shift.
On3 values Manning’s current NIL worth at a jaw-dropping $5.5 million. That’s thanks to deals with big brands like:
- Red Bull
- Uber
- Warby Parker
- Raising Cane’s
- Vuori
- Panini America
These endorsements have given Manning a substantial income and boosted his visibility. His commercials sometimes feature family members, which adds a personal touch that fans seem to love.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the financial success, Manning’s on-field performance has faced plenty of scrutiny. Through the first three games of the 2025 season, his passing numbers weren’t exactly eye-popping: a 55.3 percent completion rate, 6.8 yards per completion, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
He even got booed at home during a lackluster win over UTEP. Still, he bounced back a bit against Sam Houston, completing 18 of 21 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns, plus two rushing scores.
Sure, it was against a weaker opponent, but it had to feel good for him. Sometimes you just need a game like that to get back on track.
The Business of College Football
Manning’s financial world goes beyond just traditional endorsements. He’s involved in revenue sharing and NIL collectives, which funnel money to starting quarterbacks.
Other top QBs like Miami’s Carson Beck and Penn State’s Drew Allar reportedly earn around $3 million this season. Manning probably tops that just from endorsements alone.
Guarded Financial Details
Even with all the public interest, the details of Manning’s earnings are tightly kept under wraps. Neither he nor his reps have shared specifics.
The Texas athletic department isn’t talking either. In college football, contracts and earnings aren’t usually public like they are in the NFL, so there’s a lot of speculation and “pocket watching.”
Merchandise and Market Impact
Manning’s influence shows up in merchandise sales too. The University Co-op in Austin has seen a big jump in Manning-branded gear—jerseys, T-shirts, and all kinds of memorabilia fly off the shelves.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Co-op sold over 7,200 Manning items. Adult jersey sales alone went up by 68 percent compared to the previous year.
National Popularity
His popularity isn’t just local. OneTeam Partners, which works with Fanatics on NIL deals, says Manning’s jersey was one of the top sellers nationwide during his first two college seasons—even before he became the full-time starter.
Handling Fame and Expectations
Despite all the pressure, Manning has handled his fame with surprising maturity. People who work with him say he’s grounded and has good character.
Still, the early struggles on the field have changed the story a bit, with the Longhorns dropping from preseason No. 1 to No. 10 in the AP Top 25. That’s the kind of pressure that could get to anyone, but so far, Manning seems to be weathering it.
Looking Ahead
As the season rolls on, the big question is whether Manning can really live up to all the buzz and expectations. The Longhorns are about to kick off SEC play with a road game in Florida.
Everyone’s watching Manning, wondering if he can shift the momentum. His influence, both on and off the field, is pretty hard to ignore.
For more details about Arch Manning’s NIL journey and his impact on college football, check out The New York Times.
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