Arch Manning debuts as starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns: Here’s how to tune in

Aug 30, 2025 - 11:50

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Arch Manning debuts as starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns: Here’s how to tune in

Everyone has an opinion on nepotism, although most of us probably wouldn’t mind benefiting from it.

In popular culture, the term nepo babies most often refers to well-connected Hollywood offspring pursuing entertainment careers of their own (shout-out to New York Magazine for helping cement this vernacular). But the term can be applied to the children of famous people in just about any field, from politics to sports.

Enter Arch Manning, who appears to be a slightly different flavor of nepo baby—one who has no doubt benefited from his impressive lineage and immense privilege but also has distance and a unique perspective on it.

Ahead of his big debut as starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns on August 30 (in other words, today), the stakes couldn’t be higher for the 21-year-old.

Let’s break down his famous family, his journey to the University of Texas at Austin, and one sports reporter’s bold prediction before we discuss how to tune in to the big game.

The Manning family tree

Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning and Ellen Heidingsfelder. Cooper was a talented high school wide receiver whose future football aspirations were cut short when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Because of this, Arch knows how fragile an athletic career can be.

Cooper’s brothers (Arch’s uncles) are renowned quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. Peyton has two Super Bowl rings to his name, winning with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and with the Denver Broncos in 2016. Eli led the New York Giants to Super Bowl victory twice, earning his championship bling in 2008 and 2012.

Arch’s grandfather, Archie Manning, played 14 seasons in the NFL. It’s safe to say there’s something in the Manning DNA.

Why the University of Texas at Austin?

According to a Sports Illustrated interview with his parents, Arch is not seeking fame. He even turned down being interviewed directly. His parents didn’t force football on him, instead opting to give him a well-rounded childhood.

In the end, he naturally gravitated toward the sport anyway. Arch was a top-rated high school quarterback, and there was no shortage of college football programs vying for his attention, but he narrowed his choices to just three: the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama, and UT Austin. It was the prospect of playing for head coach Steve Sarkisian, who is also the team’s offensive coordinator, that tipped the scales in Texas’s favor.

Arch did play briefly as a true freshman in 2023, and was designated a redshirt freshman for the 2024 season, serving as the reserve quarterback. Quinn Ewers’s early move to the NFL to play for the Miami Dolphins paved the way for Arch to take over as QB1 in 2025.

What do sports pundits predict for Arch Manning?

The hype around Arch Manning is loud, and the pressure can’t be easy to take. He was already the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy before the season even started.

Let’s not forget the endorsement deals and the possibility of him declaring for the NFL draft.

Pundits such as Manny Navarro of The Athletic believe this young athlete can live up to the expectations—and then some.

“Manning throws for 3,500-plus yards, runs for 700 and tallies 50 touchdowns to lead the Longhorns to a 10-2 season,” Navarro predicted. “Texas beats Georgia in the SEC Championship Game rematch and finishes with the No. 3 seed.”

These big feats could all start with today’s game against the No. 3-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes, the defending national champions.

How to watch or stream Texas vs. Ohio State

Despite losing to the Buckeyes in last season’s Cotton Bowl, the Longhorns come into the matchup with the No. 1 ranking, which is yet another reason today’s game is so intriguing.

Arch is ready for it.

“I’m excited for this challenge, it’s going to be a big one,” the young quarterback mused to reporters earlier in the week. “Open up with the reigning champ, so what more could you ask for? That’s why you come to Texas.”

The action begins at noon ET.

Viewers with traditional cable subscriptions can tune into the Fox broadcast network for all the snaps, touchdowns, and tackles. If you have a pay-TV provider, you can also watch via the Fox Sports apps.

If you cut the cord, live-television streaming services are here to help. Those include:

Just make sure to double-check the regional differences as this impacts what networks are carried.

Finally, remember that Fox is available over the air for free if you have an antenna and good reception.