The 22-year-old quarterback is entering his second year as starter of the Longhorns
Arch Manning; Peyton Manning and Eli Manning
Arch Manning; Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.
NEED TO KNOW
Arch Manning spoke with PEOPLE exclusively during the 2026 Miami Grand Prix
The University of Texas quarterback reflected on his first full season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns
He also opened up about the recent NFL Draft and shared his excitement for the season to come
Arch Manning has legends in his corner.
The starting quarterback of the Texas Longhorns spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the conversations he’s had with his iconic football uncles, Eli and Peyton Manning, as he readies for his eventual next chapter in the NFL.
When chatting with PEOPLE trackside at the Red Bull Energy Station during the 2026 Miami Grand Prix in early May, Arch said he “definitely learned a lot” while reflecting on his first full season as the starter for the Longhorns. “Got an in-game experience, there were ups and downs, but ultimately learned from it and excited for this year,” the 22-year-old said.
Arch, whose father, Cooper Manning, is the older brother of Peyton, 50, and Eli, 45, became the full-time starting quarterback for Texas in 2025, when the team finished 10-3.
rch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025
rch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025
As Arch looks ahead to his junior season, the quarterback —expected to be a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft — has just one goal in mind.
“Trying to make the most out of it,” he said, adding, “Do whatever I can to help the team win and have a good time.”
Arch caught up with PEOPLE one week after the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped in Pittsburgh on April 25. Although the college star played coy about his explicit plans to officially “declare” for the draft amid 2027 predictions, he did express his overall excitement about the year ahead.
“Yeah, we had some guys drafted,” Arch said of the six Longhorns drafted this year, “Excited for them and the next chapter in their lives, and excited for this year.”
On the topic, Arch said his retired NFL uncles — Hall of Famer Peyton and retired New York Giants quarterback Eli — offered him advice about this stage of his football career.
AFC head coach Peyton Manning and NFC head coach Eli Manning are seen during the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium on February 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
AFC head coach Peyton Manning and NFC head coach Eli Manning are seen during the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium on February 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Yeah, a lot of advice,” Arch told PEOPLE. “They ultimately just told me to enjoy college right now, worry about that when the time comes, just take it day by day and try to be a good guy.”
Even as Arch takes time to enjoy the offseason, he’s still putting in the work to ensure he’s ready to hit the field when the college football season kicks off in August.
“Yeah, in college, we’re working out or doing spring ball the whole time,” he explained. “We get the month of May off, so I’m going to go back to New Orleans, take it easy with my buddies and just decompress a little bit.”
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Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025
Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025
He shared, “I love to play golf, hang out with my buddies and just be a regular dude.”
Hanging out at the Miami Grand Prix is part of the fun! In fact, the racing trip with Red Bull coincidentally doubled as a low-key birthday celebration for the athlete, who turned 22 on April 27, six days before the big race on May 3.
“Yeah, somewhat,” Arch said of celebrating his birthday at the Grand Prix. “I got my three high school best friends with me this weekend.”
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Arch had the support of his inner circle following a tough performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Aug. 30, 2025, when the Longhorns lost on the road, 14-7. Eli spoke exclusively to PEOPLE shortly after the game, noting how his nephew “hung in there” during the loss.
“Yeah, I watched the game and I’m just proud of the way he hung in there,” Eli said before acknowledging the challenging environment the Longhorns were up against.
“Obviously, going to Ohio State and playing your first college football game on the road, not the easiest environment to start the season,” Eli explained. “But I’m proud... They got down a little bit, but he hung in there, got a touchdown drive, gave them a chance to win in the fourth quarter.”
The Longhorns open the season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against the Texas State Bobcats.