There are plenty of recognizable last names in college football, but none may be more famous than Manning. The legacy started with Archie Manning at Ole Miss, continued with Peyton at Tennessee, and then Eli back at Ole Miss. Now, the next generation of this storied family is making waves as Arch Manning takes the field at the University of Texas.
Arch Manning, named after his grandfather, who was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL Draft, is the latest in a line of quarterbacks. With such a prestigious lineage, one might wonder about his father. Is it Peyton or Eli? The answer is a bit different, as Arch is the son of Cooper Manning, the eldest of the Manning brothers.
Who is Arch Manning’s father?
Similar to how the Olsen Twins have another sibling and the Jonas Brothers have another brother, there is another Manning. Cooper is the eldest Manning and the brother of Peyton and Eli. While he did play football, his career was cut short in high school due to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis. This condition forced Cooper to retire from the sport he loved, but it also inspired Peyton to change his jersey number to 18 in honor of Cooper’s high school number.
Since stepping away from the gridiron, Cooper has carved out a successful career as an entrepreneur and has made numerous television appearances alongside his brothers. Despite his accomplishments, he often finds himself humorously labeled as the “other” Manning brother.
Manning family tree
The Manning family tree is rich with talent and tradition. Archie Manning married Olivia Manning, and together they raised three sons: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Each of these brothers has made significant contributions to football, both on and off the field.
Cooper and his wife Ellen have three children, while Peyton and his wife Ashley are proud parents of twin girls. Eli and his wife Abby have expanded the family with four kids of their own. This large, close-knit family continues to support each other, showcasing the values of teamwork and camaraderie that are so vital in football.
Arch Manning’s journey at Texas
Arch Manning’s football journey is just beginning. After redshirting his freshman year in 2023, he played in only one game. However, 2024 marked a turning point for him as he stepped into the spotlight. Serving as a backup to Quinn Ewers, Arch got the chance to showcase his skills when Ewers was sidelined with an abdomen injury.
During the 2024 season, Arch made quite an impression. He saw action in eight games, including two starts, demonstrating his potential as a quarterback. His stats reflect a promising start to his college career, with a total of 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. This performance has fans buzzing with excitement about his future.
| Games | Passing Yards | Passing Touchdowns | Interceptions | |
| 2023 | 1 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 8 | 939 | 9 | 2 |
The legacy of the Manning name
The Manning family has left an indelible mark on college football and the NFL. Archie Manning’s career at Ole Miss set the stage, while Peyton and Eli further solidified the family’s reputation with their exceptional performances in the NFL. Now, with Arch Manning stepping into the limelight, fans are eager to see how he will carry on this legacy.
Arch’s connection to his family’s history is palpable. With every game he plays, he not only represents himself but also honors the achievements of his father and uncles. The pressure of the Manning name can be daunting, but it also serves as a source of motivation for Arch.
Looking ahead
As Arch Manning continues his college football journey, the excitement surrounding him only grows. Will he follow in the footsteps of his legendary family members and carve out his own path in the sport? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Manning name will always be synonymous with excellence in football.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Arch develops as a player. Will he become a household name like his father and uncles? With his talent and the support of his family, the sky is the limit for this young quarterback. As he navigates the challenges and triumphs of college football, the Manning legacy remains strong, and the world will be watching.
