Is there a more recognizable last name in football than Manning? The careers of Archie, Peyton, and Eli speak for themselves, but another Manning is waiting in the wings to follow in the family business. Meet Arch Manning, the next generation of this legendary football dynasty. With a bright future ahead of him, some analysts are already calling him the unquestioned first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But before we dive into Arch’s journey, let’s explore the family tree that has shaped this young star.
Who is Arch Manning’s dad?
While you have likely heard of Archie, Peyton, and Eli, none of them are Arch’s dad. Archie and his wife Olivia had three sons: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Cooper’s football career ended early due to a health issue, so he wasn’t able to follow in his father’s footsteps personally. Cooper and his wife Ellen welcomed Arch in 2005. He was the second of the couple’s three children, joining his sister May and younger brother Heid.
Arch Manning family tree
Archie’s legal name is Elisha Archibald Manning III. He and his wife have three children: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Cooper and his wife Ellen have May, Arch, and Heid. Peyton had twins Marshall and Mosley in 2011, while Eli and his wife Abby have four kids: Ava, Lucy, Carolina, and Charles. This family tree is not just a lineage; it’s a legacy of football excellence.
Arch Manning’s decision to attend Texas
Arch Manning has big shoes to fill and a lot of pressure to play well. While his family has a legacy at Ole Miss and Tennessee, Arch decided to pave his own path by attending the University of Texas. Manning was set to back up Quinn Ewers, who redshirted his freshman year. This decision showcases Arch’s desire to carve out his own identity while still being part of a storied football tradition.
How old is Arch Manning?
Born on April 27, 2005, Arch is currently 19 years old and is playing in his redshirt freshman year at Texas. This young quarterback is already under the spotlight, and the expectations are sky-high. How will he handle the pressure? Only time will tell, but his family’s legacy certainly adds an intriguing layer to his journey.
Arch Manning’s uncles: Peyton and Eli
Arch’s most well-known relatives are his uncles, Peyton and Eli. Both have left indelible marks on the NFL, and their experiences will undoubtedly influence Arch as he navigates his own career.
Peyton Manning
Peyton changed his number in high school to 18 after Cooper stopped playing due to his injury. Many expected Peyton to go to Ole Miss like his father Archie did, but instead, he chose to play for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was also considering Florida and Michigan, and if he had joined the Wolverines, they might not have needed to bring in Tom Brady the following year!
Peyton finished his time at Tennessee as the SEC’s all-time leader in passing yards (11,201) and touchdowns (89). The Indianapolis Colts drafted him as the first pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning spent 18 years in the NFL, winning Super Bowl XLI and Super Bowl 50. He ranks third in NFL history for passing yards and touchdowns and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2021.
Peyton Manning stats
| Games Started | Record | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | |
| NFL Career | 265 | 186-79 | 71,940 | 539 | 251 |
Eli Manning
Eli followed in Archie’s footsteps and attended Ole Miss. He played for the Rebels for five years, finishing his career with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. The San Diego Chargers selected Eli with the first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, but he was traded to the New York Giants before Day 1 of the draft was over. He spent all 16 years of his professional career with New York, winning Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. Eli was a 4x Pro Bowler, and it remains a hot topic of debate whether he deserves a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, with eligibility coming in 2025.
Eli Manning stats
| Games Started | Record | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | |
| NFL Career | 234 | 117-117 | 57,023 | 366 | 244 |
Arch Manning’s mom: Ellen Heidingsfelder
Ellen Heidingsfelder married Cooper in 1999. While she doesn’t share much of her personal life, she is an accomplished lawyer in Louisiana. Ellen attended Loyola University for her undergraduate studies and then pursued law at the University of Virginia. Her support for Arch and her family’s legacy is undoubtedly crucial as he embarks on his football journey.
Arch Manning’s future
With the weight of the Manning name on his shoulders, Arch Manning is poised for greatness. The road ahead may be challenging, but with a family legacy like his, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to make his mark in college football and beyond. Will he rise to the occasion? Football fans everywhere are eager to find out.
