Arch Manning: Embracing the College Journey

In the world of college football, few names carry as much weight as “Manning.” Before the 2023 season kicked off, Arch Manning—nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning—was already being discussed as a potential No. 1 draft pick despite having only three starts to his name at the University of Texas. Such is the expectation that comes with being football royalty. However, as the season unfolded, both Manning and the Longhorns faced their share of struggles, temporarily quieting those draft conversations. Though Texas and their prized quarterback found their stride later in the season, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Following the season, Manning made headlines by announcing his intention to remain at Texas rather than declaring for the NFL draft. In a recent interview, his father Cooper Manning revealed that this decision wasn’t made under pressure or as a reaction to the season’s outcome—it was always the plan. “I grew up listening to my parents talking about how great college was,” Cooper explained. “I still love my years in college. Eli was there for five years, Peyton was four. It’s such a fun, special time in your life. The idea of hurrying it up and trying to get out of there seems kind of silly to me.” His perspective reflects a family value of savoring the college experience rather than rushing toward professional opportunities.

Cooper Manning’s words paint a picture of college not just as a stepping stone to the NFL, but as a precious chapter of life worth experiencing fully. “I know how challenging that next level is,” he continued, speaking from his family’s extensive experience with professional football. “So savor every moment of college. If you’re lucky enough to go to the University of Texas and hang out in Austin, Texas, where people like you and get to play football and go to these great SEC towns and compete on the highest level with your teammates and with your great friends, shoot, why would anybody want to hurry up and get out of that?” This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to the increasingly common trend of top college athletes minimizing their collegiate careers to advance to professional leagues as quickly as possible.

Despite the current focus on enjoying college, Arch Manning is widely expected to enter the NFL draft in 2027, where he’ll likely follow in his uncles’ footsteps as a top prospect. This inevitably raises questions about whether he might follow another family precedent: his uncle Eli’s famous draft maneuver. In 2004, Eli Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, who held the first pick. Though the Chargers drafted him anyway, they immediately traded him to the New York Giants, where he went on to win two Super Bowls. When asked if Arch might consider a similar strategy when his time comes, Cooper didn’t entertain the speculation.

“I have no idea,” Cooper responded, emphasizing the family’s focus on the present rather than distant possibilities. “Anything beyond spring football right now is too far away to even think about. He’s enjoying the big win over Michigan and seeing some new players come in, saying goodbye to some guys in this portal and looking forward to making some new teammates, great friends and vice versa.” This response highlights the Manning family’s grounded approach to navigating the intense spotlight that follows their youngest quarterback—taking things one season, one game, even one practice at a time.

The story of Arch Manning offers a valuable lesson in patience and presence in an era where college athletes face unprecedented pressure to capitalize quickly on their talents. While many of his peers are making decisions based on NIL deals, transfer portal opportunities, and early draft prospects, Manning appears content to honor the traditional college experience that his father and uncles have spoken so highly of. “We don’t look too far out in the world of football,” Cooper concluded. “Keep it simple and keep your head down, and it should all shake out OK.” It’s a philosophy that has served the Manning family well through three generations of football excellence, and one that may well carry Arch through his own journey from college star to potential NFL great—all in good time.