Family First? Why Peyton Manning Will Not Root For Tennessee Against Texas

Peyton Manning will be cheering for his nephew Arch, when Texas plays against his alma mater, Tennessee.

Family First? Why Peyton Manning Will Not Root For Tennessee Against Texas

Arch Manning (Image via IMAGO)

2026 will decide whether Arch Manning is worth all the hype. The 22-year-old will make the jump to the NFL next year unless something forces him to extend his college career.

Manning will have the rare opportunity to play against the University of Tennessee. These two schools have played each other three times in the past. Texas holds a 2-1 record. However, the last fixture was played back in 1968.

Why are football fans hyped for this fixture? Partly because it will take place after half a century. But Arch will be against his uncle, and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning’s alma mater.

Unlike his father, Archie, and brother Eli, who attended the University of Mississippi, Peyton played for Tennessee from 1994 to 1997. The Professor, as his peers called him, had a 39-6 record as the Vols’ starter. The Indianapolis Colts drafted him first overall. He won a couple of Super Bowls (one with the Colts and another with the Denver Broncos) and was a league MVP five times (NFL record).

When asked who he would be rooting for when his nephew faces his former school, Manning chose family.

I love my University… But nothing’s more important to me than family.

Peyton Manning said via Locked on Sec podcast

Walking in his uncle’s footsteps, Arch ditched Ole Miss for Texas. After sparingly playing his first two years, Manning finally took over as the starter after Quinn Ewers transitioned to the NFL last year.

Manning led the Longhorns to a 10-3 record, completed 248 passes for 3163 yards, 36 total touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. However, Texas failed to qualify for the CFP finals because Manning was underwhelming. He barely scratched 61% completion rate, leaving fans and analysts displeased.

The last name [Manning] is putting the ‘generational’ thing on him, and I don’t think he’s that. His decision-making under duress is still iffy and needs work; he runs hot and cold with his accuracy. He can make pinpoint throws, but consistently misses on in-cuts, digs, and slants.

an NFL executive told Albert Breer

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian viewed Manning’s struggles as a learning curve.

[Arch] found out how tough he really was, physically and mentally… and then the way he responded to that as the games went on… I think he found out how tough he was as the season went on.

Sarkisian said (H/T Sports Illustrated)
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Steve Sarkisian makes a bold prediction about Arch Manning’s future

Yahoo, ESPN, and several other publications project Manning as the first overall draft pick in 2027. He definitely has all the tools in his shed to make it a reality.

Family First Why Peyton Manning Will Not Root For Tennessee Against Texas
Arch Manning (Image via IMAGO)

Sarkisian, on the other hand, hinted at something else. Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, the veteran college coach said that Manning could return to Texas in 2027.

We haven’t had the discussion, but I will tell you, I would not be surprised. I think Arch really loves college football. He loves the University of Texas, and he does pretty well through NIL… by the same token, I won’t be surprised if he declares to go to the draft.

Sarkisian said

Manning is on the biggest NIL contract, approximately $5.3 million/year. His yearly salary will increase if drafted first overall. However, a fall similar to Shedeur Sanders could take the privilege away from him. Former Miami QB, Carson Beck, earned around $4 million during his final year. After going in the third round to the Arizona Cardinals, he’s likely to make $7.3 million over the next four years.

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