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As Arch Manning prepares for his first season as a full-time starter at Texas, he may already find himself on the cover of College Football 26.
After Quinn Ewers declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Wednesday, the path became clear for Manning to take over under center for the Longhorns next season.
The 19-year-old’s 2025 debut will be highly anticipated, not just because he’s the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning. Arch was a 5-star recruit in high school who ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.
He played sparingly during his first year at Texas before he received extended time on the field in 2024 once Ewers suffered an oblique strain against UTSA on Sept. 14.
Manning looked comfortable during his brief experience in a larger role and continued to stay sharp when called upon throughout the remainder of the season. He completed 67.8 percent of his throws for 939 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with just two interceptions.
SportsCenter @SportsCenter
ARCH MANNING 49-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO DEANDRE MOORE JR. 🔥
STOOD IN THE POCKET AND DELIVERED A DART 🎯 pic.twitter.com/TaTNIteEIs
He also showcased an ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.
Manning has already helped promote the previous game, as he was featured in a video revealing his inclusion on the College Football 25 roster with Eli in July 2024.
With the Longhorns looking to compete for another CFP berth as Manning opens the 2025 season as a starter, the hype surrounding him could cause him to become the next cover athlete for the game.
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