Arch Manning opens up on challenges of fan attention everywhere he goes

Arch Manning‘s status as having arguably the most recognizable last name in football comes with its benefits. However, it does come with some drawbacks.

Set to become Texas‘ starting quarterback this fall, Manning is becoming more recognizable around campus, and in-turn throughout Austin. This has led to an increase in fan attention when he’s out in public, which Manning has had to take in stride.

“That’s been tough,” Manning revealed during Texas’ spring practices. “I think I have good people to lean on for that type of stuff. But like I said, I can’t quit doing normal things. I’m gonna go eat dinner with my buddies and be a normal college kid.”

Manning’s celebrity status goes beyond just his college town. Even though he’s largely inexperienced at the college football level having been backup to Quinn Ewers for his first two years, Manning has still been able to be one of the biggest stars in the sport off the field gaining NIL deals from the likes of Vuori, Uber and Red Bell — in 2025 alone. He’s also done work alongside EA Sports for the launch of the College Football 25 video game, and is working under a multi-year deal with Panini America.

He currently holds an NIL Valuation of $6.5 million — tops in all of college athletics. That’s nearly two million more than the second player on On3’s list, which is Duke‘s Cooper Flagg and $4.8 million.

The attention Manning receives off the field has been justified by the small sample size of playing experience that he does have. He has yet to disappoint when given the opportunity.

Ewers sustained an injury early in the 2024 season that allowed fans to get a taste of what Manning offers on the field. He came in during the second quarter against UTSA, and led the Longhorns to a 56-7 win over the Roadrunners.

Manning followed that up with consecutive starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State, where Texas outscored its opponents 86-16. He threw for 583 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions during those games. Manning rushed for an additional touchdown against the Bulldogs as well.

He went on to finish his redshirt freshman season with 939 total yards to go with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning also finished the season with an 87.5 QBR, which would have ranked among the nation’s leaders but did not qualify.

Now, Manning is set to take the reigns in Austin as Steve Sarkisian’s next starting quarterback. The Longhorns won’t be hosting a spring game this year, which means the first time Texas fans will get a chance to see Arch Manning as QB1 won’t be until the Aug. 30 opener against Ohio State.