Texas QB Arch Manning Breaks Silence on ‘Nepo Baby’ Label: ‘People Can Say What They Want’
AUSTIN, TX – Arch Manning has spent his entire life in the spotlight, and with that comes endless opinions—some fair, some not. As the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 starting quarterback, the 19-year-old has heard it all, including criticism from those who dismiss him as a “nepo baby” riding the coattails of his famous football family.
In an interview with Complex Magazine, Manning responded directly to those who question whether he’s earned his place or simply benefited from the Manning dynasty.
“They have the right to say that,” Manning said. “When people say stuff, like they have freedom of speech, I’ve probably said bad things about other people. It’s kind of the business I’m in. Obviously, I do think that I worked hard for the position I’m in, but people are allowed to say what they want.”
Blocking Out the Noise
As the nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning, expectations have followed Arch at every step. But despite the outside noise, he remains unfazed.
“I don’t really look at what other people think online,” Manning said. “I just kind of keep on living my life. That’s what I’ve been taught, and that’s what I’m going to try and continue to do.”
The Future of Texas Football
After spending the past two seasons as the backup quarterback, Manning is set to take over as Texas’ QB1 following Quinn Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Longhorns moving into the SEC, all eyes will be on the young quarterback to see if he can live up to his last name—or carve out a legacy of his own.