Arch Manning, the 19-year-old quarterback for the Texas Longhorns and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has recently signed a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with energy drink giant Red Bull. This partnership further elevates his status as one of the most marketable athletes in college sports.
Manning’s NIL valuation has now reached $6.6 million, making him the highest-valued athlete across both high school and college sports. This impressive figure is attributed not only to his on-field potential but also to his family’s storied football legacy.
In a promotional video shared on Instagram, Manning showcased his football skills while endorsing Red Bull, signaling the start of this high-profile partnership. He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Everyone at Red Bull has been super nice to me and my family, and I can’t wait to get it going. Plus, I like a Red Bull in the morning. We got early meetings — need a little energy.”
This deal with Red Bull adds to Manning’s growing list of endorsements, which includes agreements with Panini America and EA Sports, where he promotes his avatar in the upcoming College Football 25 video game.
As Manning prepares to take over as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL, expectations are high. Last season, he played in 10 games, starting and winning two, accumulating 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also demonstrated his mobility by rushing for 108 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground.
Despite the high expectations and media attention, both Arch and his father, Cooper Manning, acknowledge the challenges ahead. Cooper has stated that he anticipates his son will face struggles as he steps into the starting role but believes these experiences will be beneficial in the long run.
The Longhorns are set to begin their 2025 season against the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, on August 30. With Manning at the helm, fans and analysts are optimistic about Texas’s potential to compete for a national championship.
Manning’s rapid ascent in both his football career and endorsement deals underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics, where athletes can now capitalize on their personal brands through NIL agreements. His partnerships with major companies like Red Bull not only highlight his marketability but also set a precedent for future college athletes navigating the NIL space.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Arch Manning to see how he manages the pressures of leading a storied program like Texas while balancing the responsibilities that come with his growing public profile. His performance on the field and his handling of off-field commitments will be closely watched as indicators of his readiness to follow in his family’s illustrious football footsteps.
In conclusion, Arch Manning’s recent NIL deal with Red Bull marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. As he steps into the role of starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, the combination of his athletic prowess and business acumen positions him as a prominent figure in the future of college football.