What happens when a backup quarterback becomes the face of college football’s biggest money game? Arch Manning, Shedeur Sanders, and even LeBron James’ son, Bronny, who’s currently balling at G-league, are all caught in this wild NIL whirlwind. With Texas surging into the playoffs, the stakes are high as Texas sky, and Manning’s sudden NIL rise is shaking the college football world. But is history repeating itself?
Bronny James might’ve been the king of the NIL hill once, but his reign got snatched by Colorado’s gunslinger Shedeur Sanders. Now? Shedeur’s dealing with the same cruel plot twist. Enter Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns’ golden boy. Just last week, Manning was sitting cozy at $5.5 million in NIL value. Fast forward past New Year’s, and boom—his stocks skyrockets to $6.6 million, dethroning Sanders’ $6.5 million like it was low-key scripted. And the kicker? Arch pulled this off as a backup quarterback. Yeah, you heard that right. Dude isn’t even the named starter yet, and he’s already making waves and some serious bags. The word on the street, is that 19-year-old Arch ain’t cashing in on NIL yet. Or until he becomes the starter.
See, Manning’s ascent or NIL game ain’t is no fluke. Thanks to the Longhorns punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff. Arch’s NIL valuation shot up faster than a Taylor Swift album re-release. The guy has deals with Panini America and EA Sports, and his social media game is tight—over 415K followers across the board. Meanwhile, Shedeur’s prepping for the NFL Draft with endorsements from Beats by Dre and Nike, but let’s be real—this Arch takeover hits different. It’s almost poetic. Shedeur did Bronny dirty in the NIL game, and now Arch is out here doing the same to him. Full circle, baby.
If we’re talking straight numbers and finance, Arch’s rise ain’t just hype—it’s all facts and receipts. His Panini America deal alone accounts for $2.8 million of his valuation. Let that sink in. Sanders might’ve had the swagger all season, but when the dust settled, it’s Manning standing on top. And don’t forget the irony: LeBron’s son set the NIL bar at $7.3 million in 2023, but now it’s Arch who’s knocking on that door, potentially setting up a new NIL dynasty. The parallels? Wild. The timing? Impeccable. The drama Well, there ain’t quite drama to be honest. But you got the point, though.
And let’s not overlook the Longhorn in the room—Arch Manning did all this as 2nd string QB. While Sanders was out there putting Colorado football back on the map, Arch stayed patient on the sidelines, waiting for his moment. Now that Shedeur’s heading to the NFL, the torch passes to Manning. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian might have a luxury problem heading into next season if Ewers decides to not enter draft: Arch as the heir apparent or Quinn Ewers returning to keep the throne. Either way, Texas is winning big.
Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning NIL dilemma for 2025 season
So here’s the tea: Texas is about to have a QB problem—of the best kind. With Arch Manning climbing the NIL ladder and Quinn Ewers potentially returning for another season, Sarkisian’s got some tough calls to make. Like do you stick with Ewers, who’s proven himself but has an inconsistency problem, or hand the keys to the kingdom to Manning, the $6.6 million man? The Longhorns’ Peach Bowl win over Arizona State was diabolical, but the real tea is brewing off the field.
If Ewers comes back, Manning might start side-eyeing the transfer portal. According to On3, Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan with a $10.5 million deal—money Arch could easily see if he hits the open market. And honestly, who wouldn’t be low-key tempted? Arch has already proven his worth in gold, even without the full-time starting gig.
For Texas, this is uncharted territory. Balancing NIL valuations with on-field performance is a new reality, and the Longhorns are front and center. If Ewers stays, Sarkisian might have to get creative to keep Manning happy—or risk losing him to a team that’ll roll out the red carpet. Either way, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the books. In the end, whether it’s Ewers or Manning under center, the Longhorns fans know who they want as a starter for the 2025 season. Anyway, the NIL is rewriting the college football script, and Arch Manning is the star of the show. Let’s just hope the Longhorns can ride this wave all the way to a championship.
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