Who is Arch Manning, nephew to Eli and Peyton Manning? NFL star Archie Manning wants his grandson to play for the Dallas Cowboys eventually, but right now the Longhorns QB must decide his future at UT

Dec 15 , 2024

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning warms up before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies. Photo: Imagn Images

As the next generation of football’s legendary Manning family, Arch was a high school star and chose the University of Texas for college – but his grandad wants him to play for Dallas in the NFL

Former NFL quarterback Archie Manning spent 14 years playing professional football, first with the New Orleans Saints and later with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. And, while he may have hung up his cleats in 1984, he’s kept a hand in the game.

The legendary player has had a multifaceted retirement that’s included broadcasting, F&B, investments and philanthropy, but he also joined the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Board of Directors in 1993. These days, though, it’s his grandson Arch Manning’s budding football career that appears to be on his mind.

Arch is currently in his second season as a quarterback for the University of Texas and won’t be eligible for the NFL draft in 2026. His grandfather has even more ambitions on his behalf, though. On a night out, a fan approached the elder Manning to ask where he’d like to see his grandson play once he’s drafted. In a TikTok video of the encounter, Archie says, “Right off the bat, if somebody asked me, I’d say [the Dallas] Cowboys”. Though, of course, the Manning patriarch would prefer that Arch finish his college career before turning professional, adding, “I hope he’ll play three years in Texas.”

But who is Arch Manning, the Longhorns quarterback and scion of a football dynasty?

Arch Manning is football royalty

Arch Manning arrives before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in November, in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns would go on to defeat the Wildcats 31-14. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Arch Manning was born on April 27, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He comes from a legendary football family. As well as his famous quarterback grandfather, his uncles were also NFL stars: Eli Manning played 16 seasons with the New York Giants, while Peyton Manning spent 18 years in the league with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

Arch’s father, Cooper, also played football and was an all-state player at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. He committed to playing collegiate football at Ole Miss, but before his freshman year, a diagnosis of spinal condition put an end to his playing career.

He was a high school star

Arch Manning, No 16 of the Texas Longhorns, reacts after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field on November 30 in College Station, Texas. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Manning followed in his father’s footsteps, playing at Isidore Newman School. Though he also played basketball and baseball, he excelled in football. He became the school’s starting quarterback in his junior year, and the team captain during his senior year. He was also named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2022, and was an All-America and four-time all-state honoree.