Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has reportedly declined a substantial $11.2 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Alabama, reaffirming his commitment to the Longhorns and their future. This offer, which would have been among the largest NIL deals in college football history, was an aggressive attempt by the Crimson Tide to lure the highly touted quarterback to Tuscaloosa. However, Manning made it clear that his loyalty remains with Texas.
Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, was one of the most sought-after recruits in recent history. Despite limited playing time in his freshman season behind Quinn Ewers, he has remained patient, focusing on his development under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With Ewers expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning is in line to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback next season, making his decision to stay even more significant.
This move underscores Texas’ growing dominance in the NIL landscape and player retention, especially as the program transitions into the SEC in 2024. It also highlights the importance of program culture, stability, and trust, as Manning continues to buy into Sarkisian’s vision for the Longhorns. By turning down Alabama’s offer, Manning sends a strong message: his future is in Austin, and he’s determined to lead Texas back to national championship contention. His decision is a major win for the Longhorns and their fans, reinforcing Texas as a top-tier destination for elite talent in the new era of college football.
Manning’s approach to NIL deals has been notably cautious. According to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, Manning has declined all NIL deals, adhering to a family policy that he will not sign any NIL agreements until he becomes a starter. Sarkisian stated, “His grandpa [Archie] won’t let him take NIL money. He told him, ‘You can take money when you become a player – when you start.’ I thought that was a pretty good message from Archie.”
This disciplined approach reflects the Manning family’s emphasis on earning one’s place and rewards. Arch himself has expressed a desire to earn his money through hard work and establishing himself within the team. He stated, “I didn’t want to be the guy rolling in with all this money when we have guys like Jake Majors who have 40 starts here and not making any [and] I’m taking all the money. I wanted to earn my money, work hard, get to know the players. Kind of earn my way up.”
This mindset has resonated within the Texas locker room, fostering a culture where players support each other’s success both on and off the field. Manning noted, “I think at Texas, we’ve done a good job of it just because everyone wants everyone to do well and earn as much money as they can, while still wanting to win games and keeping it about the team as best we can.”
As Manning prepares to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, his approach to NIL opportunities is evolving. Recently, he signed a significant NIL deal with Red Bull, marking a new chapter in his collegiate career. This partnership came about through family connections, with his uncles Peyton and Eli facilitating introductions in the NIL space. Manning explained, “Red Bull then reached out, and the two sides moved forward from there.”
This development indicates that while Manning has been deliberate in his approach to NIL deals, he is now ready to embrace these opportunities as he steps into a leadership role on the team. His calculated approach ensures that his focus remains on football and team success, aligning with the values instilled by his family. As he embarks on this new phase, Manning’s decisions continue to reflect a maturity and dedication that bode well for his future and that of the Texas Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has reportedly declined a substantial $11.2 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Alabama, reaffirming his commitment to the Longhorns and their future. This offer, which would have been among the largest NIL deals in college football history, was an aggressive attempt by the Crimson Tide to lure the highly touted quarterback to Tuscaloosa. However, Manning made it clear that his loyalty remains with Texas.
Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, was one of the most sought-after recruits in recent history. Despite limited playing time in his freshman season behind Quinn Ewers, he has remained patient, focusing on his development under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With Ewers expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning is in line to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback next season, making his decision to stay even more significant.
This move underscores Texas’ growing dominance in the NIL landscape and player retention, especially as the program transitions into the SEC in 2024. It also highlights the importance of program culture, stability, and trust, as Manning continues to buy into Sarkisian’s vision for the Longhorns. By turning down Alabama’s offer, Manning sends a strong message: his future is in Austin, and he’s determined to lead Texas back to national championship contention. His decision is a major win for the Longhorns and their fans, reinforcing Texas as a top-tier destination for elite talent in the new era of college football.
Manning’s approach to NIL deals has been notably cautious. According to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, Manning has declined all NIL deals, adhering to a family policy that he will not sign any NIL agreements until he becomes a starter. Sarkisian stated, “His grandpa [Archie] won’t let him take NIL money. He told him, ‘You can take money when you become a player – when you start.’ I thought that was a pretty good message from Archie.”
This disciplined approach reflects the Manning family’s emphasis on earning one’s place and rewards. Arch himself has expressed a desire to earn his money through hard work and establishing himself within the team. He stated, “I didn’t want to be the guy rolling in with all this money when we have guys like Jake Majors who have 40 starts here and not making any [and] I’m taking all the money. I wanted to earn my money, work hard, get to know the players. Kind of earn my way up.”
This mindset has resonated within the Texas locker room, fostering a culture where players support each other’s success both on and off the field. Manning noted, “I think at Texas, we’ve done a good job of it just because everyone wants everyone to do well and earn as much money as they can, while still wanting to win games and keeping it about the team as best we can.”
As Manning prepares to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, his approach to NIL opportunities is evolving. Recently, he signed a significant NIL deal with Red Bull, marking a new chapter in his collegiate career. This partnership came about through family connections, with his uncles Peyton and Eli facilitating introductions in the NIL space. Manning explained, “Red Bull then reached out, and the two sides moved forward from there.”
This development indicates that while Manning has been deliberate in his approach to NIL deals, he is now ready to embrace these opportunities as he steps into a leadership role on the team. His calculated approach ensures that his focus remains on football and team success, aligning with the values instilled by his family. As he embarks on this new phase, Manning’s decisions continue to reflect a maturity and dedication that bode well for his future and that of the Texas Longhorns.
