Arch Manning reveals approach to balancing football, NIL deals

When he first stepped foot on campus at Texas, Arch Manning was primed for NIL success. The son of Cooper Manning, grandson of Archie and nephew of Peyton and Eli, he was already a top name in the sport as the nation’s No. 1 recruit.

But as he sat behind Quinn Ewers for two years, Manning – who has a $6.8 million On3 NIL Valuation – didn’t venture too far into the NIL space. His only major NIL deal was with Panini America.

But that all changed this offseason, and the former Five Star Plus+ prospect said he’s hoping to finish everything by the time the 2025 campaign starts. Once the season starts, his focus will be on football as he gears up for Year 1 as Texas’ starter.

“I’m trying to get all that stuff out of the way before the season,” Manning said at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La. “Obviously, you want to take advantage of what you can and make the right decisions on partnering with companies, but I’m focused on ball.”

Manning’s portfolio now includes deals with Red Bull, Uber and Vuori, as well as an extended merchandise partnership with Panini. He also appeared in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game and has appeared in commercials promoting this year’s installment. On3’s Pete Nakos revealed a new commercial is in the works, as well.

At $6.8 million, Manning has the top On3 NIL Valuation in the college football NIL rankings. He also ranks No. 1 in the On3 NIL 100, the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation.

Arch Manning going ‘with his gut’ in NIL space

The plan was for Manning to wait to sign more NIL deals until he became a full-time starter. But he doesn’t necessarily seek the spotlight. Steve Sarkisian recently confirmed both he and Manning declined to appear on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.

As he navigates the space, Manning leaned on his uncles, who rose to stardom both on and off the field during their respective careers. He also doesn’t want to spread himself too thin in the NIL world while he continues to develop under Sarkisian’s watchful eye. But he’s been watching what others do.

“I think I kind of go with my gut and see what other people have done, who’s done it the right or wrong way,” Manning said. “I’ve got a lot of support with my family and go with my gut at the end of the day and try not to do too much.”