The top-ranked Texas Longhorns have officially named redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning as the Week 4 starter against UL Monroe at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Manning will be making his first career start, stepping in for Quinn Ewers who is out with an abdominal strain. In the 56-7 win against UTSA, Manning’s versatile skills were on full display as he threw 223 yards and four touchdowns, and added a 67-yard rushing score. The Longhorns’ defense, which has only allowed two touchdowns and 19 total points this season, will be a key factor in supporting the inexperienced quarterback and maintaining the team’s strong record.

The last time Texas claimed the top spot in the AP Polls was in 2008 when Colt McCoy was quarterback.

Here is everything to know about Texas’ new QB1, Arch Manning, heading into Week 4.

Who is Arch Manning?

Archibald ‘Arch’ Manning comes from a family with a strong football tradition. He is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch committed to The University of Texas in 2023 and is considered a redshirt freshman in 2024 season.

The Manning football family tree

Arch Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, was a wide receiver at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, where Arch Manning also attended. He later played college football at Ole Miss but had to end his career due to being diagnosed with spinal stenosis.

Arch’s grandfather, Archie Manning, played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and spent 14 seasons in the NFL from 1971 to 1982, mainly with the New Orleans Saints. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

His uncle, Peyton Manning, played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and had a successful NFL career after being the Colts’ first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Peyton played 18 seasons in the NFL, 14 with the Indianapolis Colts and 4 with the Denver Broncos, winning two Super Bowls, one with the Colts in 2007 and another with the Broncos in 2016.

His other uncle, Eli Manning, played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and was selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and was traded to the Giants. Eli Manning played for 16 seasons with New York and led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012.

Undoubtedly, Arch’s family’s football legacy has had a significant impact on Arch’s football career.