While Arch Manning came into the 2025 season with plenty of hype, given his last name, fans are now booing him as they believe he is not performing as many had expected. He has had a slow start to his season, particularly struggling against Ohio State in their season opener.
The young Manning clan scion is also bearing the burden of his last name, as his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, his dad’s brothers, are considered NFL greats, with both winning Super Bowls.
During a January 2025 interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, the Texas QB1 opened up about maintaining his last name’s famous quarterback legacy.
“Yeah, I never really think about that,” he said. “I’m just here to play football, it’s a game I love, grew up playing. You’re out there with your friends playing every Saturday, what could get better than that?” (4:18)
“I’m not here to take someone off the throne or like, I’m not worried about my legacy. I’m just worried about playing ball and winning games,” he added.
Smith then asked the young Manning about what comes with his last name, with the 21-year-old stating that it comes with plenty of “undeserved attention” but he hopes it gets “more deserving” in the future.
As for why he believes he does not deserve all the attention even though he is the No. 1 recruit in the country, Manning believes he has not done enough yet to sign autographs or take pictures with people at restaurants.
Arch Manning Struggled vs. UTEP, Leading to Boos From Texas Fans
Meanwhile, during that game where he was booed, Arch Manning actually struggled. In particular, he struggled in the first half, only completing 5-of-16 passes for 69 yards. This led to an interception, with him missing several passes.
He also had ten straight incomplete passes, getting the crowd riled up and leading to the boos. Manning did see some success in the first half, but not with the patented Manning passing game, but in the rushing game, with Arch scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half.
Manning admitted he has to improve and that he is frustrated with how he played. He did redeem himself in the passing game, as he made a touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo in the fourth quarter. He also struggled in the opener against Ohio State, only completing 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards.
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