Arch Manning makes massive announcement

After initially declining to be in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning appears to have reversed his decision. In a playful X (formerly known as Twitter) announcement with his uncle and former Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, Arch told the world he is “in the game.”

With 14,000 players opting into the game, on the surface one may think Manning’s desire to be amongst his peers having his name, image and likeness in the game was the reason, but that is far from it. In the era of name, image and likeness, Manning was able to open a lot of doors that would have otherwise stayed closed.

Why did Arch Manning decide to be in EA Sports College Football 25?

Arch Manning gets paid: According to On3’s Nick Schultz, EA Sports is paying Manning between $50,000-$60,000 to be in the game, on top of the $600 he gets like every other player for participating. And of course Manning will receive a copy of the game as well.

Arch Manning has leverage: Looking back on it, we can argue that this may have been Manning’s plan all along- to leverage his name, image and likeness for more than $600 if EA Sports wanted him in the game. And leverage that he did as he turned $600 into a minimum of $50,000.

Where does Arch Manning sit on the Texas Longhorns Depth Chart?

Arch Manning is the backup quarterback: With the transfer of last year’s backup quarterback Maalik Murphy, Manning has risen to number two on the depth chart behind returning starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Although speculation runs rampant about Ewers’ job security with the Longhorns, head coach Steve Sarkisian would probably be hard pressed to make a change to the unproven Manning if the Longhorns drop a game or two. So although some fans may clamor for it, Manning is concretely, and should remain listed as the backup for the Longhorns throughout the 2024 season.