Arch Manning Gains Wings with Newest NIL Deal

The 2024 college football season has officially come to a close. However, that doesn’t mean that the athletes are done working.

University of Texas quarterback (QB) Arch Manning signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Red Bull on Thursday. 

“Target locked, wiiings secured,” the popular drink company captioned the advertisement on Instagram.

The caption not only brings attention to the company’s signature catchphrase, “Red Bull gives you wings,” but it also alludes to Manning’s new role with the team.

“I really like this partnership. Everyone at Red Bull has been super nice to me and my family and I can’t wait to get it going,” Manning said. “Plus, I like a Red Bull in the morning… We got early meetings, need a little energy.”

Big shoes to fill

After two years of serving as Quinn Ewers’ backup, Manning is ready to be the team’s primary signal caller for the 2025 season. 

The bar is already set for the current sophomore QB. Because the Longhorns were one of the final four teams in the playoffs this season, Texas fans got a taste of what a National Championship could feel like and are anxiously awaiting another exciting season. 

Not only does Manning have to face this pressure. Being a nephew of two of the most renowned quarterbacks in NFL history (Eli and Peyton Manning), and a grandson of another (Arch Manning III), Arch is already under a microscope.

Why Manning doesn’t rest on his family’s reputation

Some individuals assume that Manning’s history has allowed him additional attention and opportunities that other players don’t receive. 

While this may be true, the Longhorn does his best to blend in with other athletes. He even held off on signing NIL deals until he felt he earned them.

“I didn’t want to be the guy rolling in with all this money when we have guys like Jake Majors who have 40 starts here and not making any [and] I’m taking all the money,” Manning told ESPN’s Marty Smith. “I wanted to earn my money, work hard, get to know the players. Kind of earn my way up.”

Climbing the ranks

Even though he wasn’t showcased like Ewers, Manning did impress. In his 10 appearances this season, the youngster threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 67.8 percent of his passes. 

He also says that his team members support each other on the field and off, no matter the opportunity.

“I think at Texas, we’ve done a good job of it just because everyone wants everyone to do well and earn as much money as they can, while still wanting to win games and keeping it about the team as best we can,” Manning said. “As long as I don’t let it affect how I’m working and the team at all, I think it’s a really good thing,” On3 reports.

Manning’s NIL valuation currently sits at over $6 million, making him the highest-ranked college athlete in the country.

Because of his role on the team, as well as the fact he is a generational talent, he will likely garner many more partnerships before and during the 2025 season.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.