Arch Manning describes the pride he still carries to represent Louisiana

Arch Manning will begin his first full season as Texas‘ starting quarterback in 2025. It’s his shot to live up to his famous last name and the expectations that have followed him since he was old enough to be recruited.

The Manning name has been tied to Louisiana, specifically New Orleans since his grandfather, Archie Manning, played quarterback for the Saints during the 1970s and early 80s. Peyton, Eli and Arch’s father, Cooper, are all from New Orleans. Arch Manning is no different.

“I try to bring as much New Orleans style to Texas (as I can). I learned a lot growing up in New Orleans,” Manning said Tuesday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. “I’ve been around a lot of good players.

“We have some other guys from the state of Louisiana with me at Texas, so it’s been fun, and I go back every year to Thibodaux (La.). Just the New Orleans culture and the Louisiana culture is second to none, so it’s always fun going back.”

Other members of the Longhorns 2025 roster from the Bayou State include tight end Will Randle, who came from the same high school as Manning, Isidore Newman. DBs Derek Williams Jr. and Wardell Mack, RB James Simon and DL Melvin Hills III all hail from Louisiana as well.

Manning started all four seasons at Isidore Newman. He finished his high school career with over 8,000 passing yards and 115 passing touchdowns all while representing New Orleans in the process. He gained his reputation after a stellar freshman season saw him thrown for 34 touchdowns compared to six interceptions as a freshman.

He’s shown flashes of what he was able to accomplish in New Orleans at Texas. Fans were given an early taste of what Manning brings to the table after former Texas QB Quinn Ewers sustained an injury early in the 2024 season. Manning came in during the second quarter against UTSA, leading the Longhorns to a 56-7 win over the Roadrunners.

Manning followed that up with consecutive starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State, where Texas outscored its opponents 86-16. He went on to finish his redshirt freshman season with 939 total yards to go with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. 

Now set to be the full-time starter in Austin this fall, Manning’s first task may be his toughest — a true road trip against Ohio State fresh off its national championship run. All eyes will be on Manning as Texas gears up for the marquee Week 1 matchup.