All eyes in college football are on Arch Manning as the 2025 season gets ready to kick off. After spending two years behind Quinn Ewers at Texas, Arch is now the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, and the spotlight is entirely on him.
Just ahead of the release of Madden 26, Arch’s uncle, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, opened up about how impressed he is with his nephew’s mindset and preparation.
Arch Manning’s Dedication Shines Through, Says Uncle Eli
Eli has nothing but praise for Arch’s handling of his first two years at Texas. Having patiently waited behind Ewers, Arch has shown remarkable dedication, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches through sheer hard work.
“I think Arch has done a great job on just how he’s handled these first two years of his college career,” Eli said in a recent interview, pointing to the maturity and hard work Arch has shown while waiting for his turn.
Eli hinted at Arch’s ambition as a key differentiator outside the locker room. He commented that Arch is constantly looking to improve, and most of the time, the questions he asks reflect an inner determination to grow as a quarterback.
“You see that hunger with him. He wants to get better, he wants to learn,” Eli shared, expressing excitement about being part of Arch’s developmental journey.
On September 24, 2024, Eli Manning took to X to show his playful side, tweeting that, as seen on a viral SEC Network graphic, he had a greater first college start with 271 yards and five touchdowns for Ole Miss in 2001 than Arch and the rest of the Manning clan had.
I win! https://t.co/eziyNxsQAR
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) September 23, 2024
Eli also touched on their connection, humorously admitting that Arch holds an edge over him in one area: speed. “He’s much faster,” Eli laughed, comparing their college careers while expressing optimism about watching Arch evolve as a starter.
With such a supportive family backdrop, Arch seems poised to handle the immense expectations tied to the Manning name.
Facing a Tough Debut: Eli Manning on Arch’s Ohio State Challenge
The road ahead won’t be easy. Arch’s first game as Texas’s starter comes on August 30 against defending national champ Ohio State—in Columbus. That’s as tough as it gets for a debut.
Eli knows what kind of challenge that is.
“It ain’t going to be an easy matchup,” he said. “At Ohio State, defending champs, on the road… that’s a big one.”
Eli’s confidence in Arch’s preparation shines through despite the high stakes. He emphasized the effort Arch has invested, noting, “I’m just happy for him because I know how hard he’s worked.”
This grueling opener offers Arch a national stage to showcase his talent, something Eli is eager to witness firsthand.
Eli also offered lighthearted advice to his nephew, suggesting he “throw it to the guy in the same color jersey.” This blend of humor and wisdom underscores Eli’s approach, supporting Arch without adding to the intense pressure surrounding the young star.
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