Can Arch continue the Manning legacy? That question was being asked even before Arch Manning announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Archie Manning, and his two uncles Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Greatness is expected from Arch with the last name alone.
Will Arch Extend the Manning Legacy While Creating His Own?
One of Football’s Royal Families
The Manning family is royalty in the world of football. Both in college and the NFL. It all started with the elder Manning, Archie. He had a legendary career at Ole Miss from 1968-1970. Over his career, Archie threw 4,753 yards and 31 touchdowns. He had a big rushing season in 1969 with 502 yards and 14 touchdowns. Archie won SEC Player of the Year that season.
When Peyton decided which school to attend, he went a different way than his family and picked Tennessee over Ole Miss. The Volunteers were an ascending team, and the Rebels were in trouble with the NCAA. At Tennessee, he had more opportunities to win a championship. While he never won a national championship, he did lead the Volunteers to an SEC Championship in 1997 by defeating Auburn. Peyton passed for 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns. That final season in 1997, he passed for 3,819 yards and 36 touchdowns en route to winning SEC Player of the Year.
Eli had a solid college career at Ole Miss from 1999-2003. In his final season, Ole Miss went 10-3 and won the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma State. Over his career, Eli threw 10,119 yards and 81 touchdowns. Until last season, Eli was the all-time passing yards leader at Ole Miss before being passed by Jaxson Dart. Peyton and Eli went on to great success in the NFL and won two Super Bowls each.
Arch Creating His Legacy
Arch decided against Ole Miss and Tennessee to create his separate legacy. When he committed to Texas 247Sports had him listed as a five-star prospect, and the top player for the 2023 recruiting class. He was also recruited heavily by Alabama and Georgia before making his decision.
Limited Playing Time Early
Like Peyton and Eli, Arch has seen little playing time early in his college career. For the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he watched Quinn Ewers lead the Longhorns to two College Football Playoff appearances. In both seasons, Texas lost in the semifinals. In 2023, Arch threw just five passes and completed two for 30 yards. Last season, he got extended playing time with Ewers sidelined due to injury.
Arch started against UL-Monroe and Mississippi State at home before Ewers returned to the lineup against Georgia. The Longhorns defeated the Warhawks 51-3 and the Bulldogs 35-13. Arch passed for 583 yards and four touchdowns in those two starts. He displayed his rushing ability throughout the season, scoring four touchdowns.
High Expectations for 2025
With Arch now being the unquestioned starter for the Longhorns, all eyes will be on him this Spring and Fall. It is one thing to play well as the backup, but as the starter he will need to be the leader of the team. The Longhorns have had great success the last two seasons, but in Austin they are expecting a championship.
He will have help though. In the backfield, he will be joined by C.J. Baxter who missed last season due to injury. In 2023, Baxter rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns. The Longhorns lose two of their top receivers, Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, but Ryan Wingo is returning. He has all the talent to replace those players. He caught 29 passes for 472 yards and two touchdowns.
The time for Arch arrives with the 2025 college football season, but he can do something no other Manning has accomplished. That is to win a National Championship.
Main Image: © Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The post Can Arch Extend the Manning Legacy? appeared first on Last Word on College Football.