NFL Legend Peyton Manning Breaks Silence on Nephew Arch Manning Staying at Texas

Arch Manning, nephew of NFL legend Peyton Manning, serves as the backup quarterback for the Texas Longhorns football team, playing behind Quinn Ewers.

Despite the significant attention and media coverage surrounding the Longhorns' second-string quarterback, Peyton took the opportunity to analyze Arch's circumstances during his appearance on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast.

“I think he wants to play. He wants to establish himself first. Obviously, I think they've got a good team this year. I’m a big fan of Quinn (Ewers). I’ve gotten to know him. He comes down to our camp, and the two of them get along great," Peyton said.

"I’m proud of [Arch] for staying there. Most kids would probably transfer in that setting, but he stayed there. He likes playing for [Steve Sarkisian], he likes the system. And when he does get in there, he’s going to benefit from kind of having a little continuity in the system.”

Arch Manning will be under the teachings of Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of Texas football. Sarkisian's reputation for developing quarterbacks is well-known, having worke with notable names like Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones among others. It's understandable that Peyton Manning supports his nephew's choice to commit to the Longhorns.

Peyton wasn't the only one to express support; Drew Brees also had positive remarks about Arch, as reported by Larry Holder of The Athletic.

“The best thing for Arch Manning is to spend five years at the University of Texas,” Brees said. “I’ll pause and let everybody just absorb that.”

It is common for quarterbacks to think that developing within a single system and mentally practicing from the sidelines can be highly beneficial.

“For him to just be in a system, be in a program, learn from one of the best QB developers in Steve Sarkisian and the rest of the staff that they’ve put together,” Brees said. “He’s going in the SEC now, right? He’s gonna be playing against some of the top talent in all of college football. That’d be the best thing for him is just stay there, lock in, learn, grow, develop, become an incredible leader for that team and make a run at some national championships. Then, he will be the most prepared going into the NFL at that point.”

Arch Manning's eligibility for the NFL Draft will not come until 2026, so a redshirt year with Texas football is unlikely to negatively impact his draft stock.

Related: Greg McElroy Delivers Bold and Candid Review of Arch Manning