In a dramatic turn of events, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning—one of the most hyped athletes in college sports—has seen his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) value plummet after a shocking upset loss to the unranked Florida Gators.
This loss has shaken Manning’s standing and raised some eyebrows about just how unpredictable NIL valuations can be in college sports. Despite starting the year with the highest NIL value at $6.8 million, Manning’s value has now dropped to $5.5 million—a sharp decrease that still keeps him at the top, but not by much.
Arch Manning’s NIL Valuation Takes a Hit
Arch Manning began this season as the highest-paid athlete in college sports, boasting an impressive NIL value of $6.8 million.
But after the recent loss to the unranked Florida Gators, his value tumbled to $5.5 million. That kind of dip really shows how much these numbers can swing based on what happens on the field and how the team is doing.
The Impact of the Loss to Florida
The Texas Longhorns’ 29-21 loss to the Florida Gators on October 4 has had some far-reaching consequences.
Not only did it sting for the team, but it also knocked Manning’s individual valuation down a peg. As Texas dropped out of the AP Top 25, Manning’s NIL value took a hit—just goes to show how closely these valuations are tied to team performance.
Comparative Analysis of NIL Valuations
Even with his value down, Manning still sits atop the list. But the gap’s closing.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck now sits at $4.9 million, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is at $4.2 million. Both play for top-ranked teams—No. 2 and No. 1 in the country, respectively—which really highlights how much team success can keep those NIL numbers high.
Other Notable Athletes
Several other athletes have racked up high NIL values, thanks to their own play and their teams’ results. Here are some of the big names:
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU quarterback) – $4 million
- John Mateer (Oklahoma quarterback) – $3.2 million
- Josh Hoover (TCU quarterback) – $2.8 million
- Taylen Green (Arkansas quarterback) – $2.2 million
- Cade Klubnik (Clemson quarterback) – $2.1 million
- DJ Lagway (Florida quarterback) – $1.9 million
- Jackson Arnold (Auburn quarterback) – $1.6 million
Texas Longhorns’ Season Performance
The Texas Longhorns kicked off the season with sky-high expectations, but things haven’t exactly gone according to plan.
They’re sitting at 3-2, which isn’t terrible, but it’s not what fans were hoping for. Manning has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus five rushing scores, in the first five games. The losses to Ohio State and Florida, though, have left Texas scrambling for a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Team Rankings and Polls
After the Florida loss, Texas slipped to No. 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
But in the AP Top 25? They’re out completely. They picked up 111 votes, but right now, they’re on the outside looking in. That drop just adds to the challenges ahead for the team.
Rival Schools’ Performance
Meanwhile, it’s been a different story for Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
Both teams are 5-0 and ranked No. 5 and No. 9, respectively. Their hot starts really crank up the pressure on the Longhorns—it’s a tough crowd in Texas college football, and the race for the top is as fierce as ever.
Looking Ahead
The Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning have a long road ahead. If they want to turn the season around, there’s a lot of work to do.
Several tough games are still on the schedule. The team will really need to step it up to climb back up the rankings and boost Manning’s NIL value.
The next few weeks? Absolutely crucial. The Longhorns are chasing those preseason expectations and hoping to stay in the national title conversation.
For more details on this story, read the full article on MySanAntonio.
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