Peyton Manning expects Arch to 'thrive' in Year 3 at Texas

Peyton Manning believes Arch Manning's patience will pay off as he becomes Texas' full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore.

"It's more than just the football program," Peyton recently said of his nephew, according to Sporting News' Bill Bender. "You like going to school there. You like the head coach who also calls the plays, and that creates great continuity. To me, the Kyle Shanahans, the Sean McVays - when the head coach is calling the plays - the quarterback is going to thrive in the same system every single year."

Arch spent the 2024 season as the backup behind Quinn Ewers. He made 10 appearances, including two starts for an injured Ewers. He finished the campaign with a 67.8% completion rate to go along with 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns against two interceptions. He also rushed for four TDs.

Peyton had the same head coach (Phillip Fulmer) and offensive coordinator (David Cutcliffe) over the four years he spent at Tennessee before going to the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts as the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft.

The Hall of Fame quarterback believes Steven Sarkisian's offense benefits Arch, who stayed put this offseason despite speculation about a possible transfer.

"The fact that this will be Arch's third year in that system, he'll have great knowledge of the system," Peyton added. "Still hasn't had on-the-field game reps as I'm sure he would have liked, but those will come this year. There will be things for him to learn, but I'm proud of him for his commitment."

Arch is widely expected to be one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft if he declares after the 2025 season.