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Texas quarterback Arch Manning announced a partnership with Red Bull on Thursday as he preps to take over the starting role in Austin. The deal has resulted in a major boost to his NIL valuation.
The Longhorns passer dropped a video to his social media outlets this week promoting the agreement. He’s already cashing in on his new QB1 title.
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Manning’s NIL journey has been well-documented throughout his time in the Lone Star State. Initially, his family suggested that he’d refuse any lucrative deals prior to being tabbed the starter. Head coach Steve Sarkisian insisted that NIL held no weight in his decision to sign with the Longhorns.
“It’s not about NIL. He’s taken zero money.”
-Steve Sarkisian
According to reports, both Archie and Cooper Manning wouldn’t allow the youngster to take money until he was “actually playing quarterback.” He later signed a deal with trading card company Panini that was said to range in the low six-figures.
He was NOT a multi-millionaire as a freshman, despite what some online outlets claimed. That changed when he actually earned playing time.
Arch Manning started two games as a sophomore while landing a prominent role as a backup behind Quinn Ewers last season. He opted into the College Football ’25 video game for a sizeable payout.
Now, both his usage in the offense and his NIL bankroll are expected to grow. Ewers is off to the NFL after declaring for the draft. That means the QB1 position is Manning’s to lose.
Earlier this season, the passer’s NIL value was set at $2.8 million according to On3 Sports. The site uses an algorithm that weighs “on-field performance, media exposure, and social media presence” to “determine the projected annual value (PAV) of college and high school athletes.”
As his sophomore year progressed, that estimated value jumped to as much as $5 million. Now, it’s grown even more.
On3 considers Manning the top earner in college sports with a valuation of $6.6 million. His latest deal certainly contributed to that bump.
The Arch Manning era is officially underway at Texas.
Quinn Ewers reportedly turned down boatloads of NIL cash to go pro. With the three-year starter off to the NFL, the Arch Manning era is officially underway.
Manning performed admirably in 2024 as both a starter and reserve passer in Austin. He went 2-0 under center while filling in for an injured Ewers against ULM and Mississippi State. In total, he racked up 939 passing yards and 108 rushing yards while accounting for 13 touchdowns as a sophomore.
There were initially whispers of a possible transfer at year’s end with Ewers uncertain about his future. Manning quickly shut down that narrative while prepping for the College Football Playoff.
Arch Manning ain’t going anywhere, per Arch Manning 😂🤘 pic.twitter.com/qTAfopxFKT
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 30, 2024
The patience has paid off as he now gets set to lead the Texas offense. The Longhorns will pursue a third straight playoff appearance after falling one game short of the national championship in each of the last two seasons. Arch Manning is hoping to get the team over the hump in 2025.
He’s currently considered a Heisman frontrunner and will be draft eligible after his junior year. Should he achieve all he hopes to in the coming season, his draft stock will only continue to grow. His NIL value should follow suit.