Report: Arch Manning Waiting Until He's Texas QB1 Before Opting into CFB Video Game

Texas quarterback Arch Manning was not among the more than 10,000 college football players who opted into having their name and likeness included in EA Sports' College Football 25 video game, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

Manning, who served as the backup to Quinn Ewers this past season, reportedly wanted to wait until "he was the guy" before appearing in the franchise, a source told Schlabach.

The rising sophomore was one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory and was the top overall prospect in the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

But he was the Longhorns' third-string quarterback this past season behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy and likely will serve as the backup to the former yet again in the 2024 season.

Ewers technically has eligibility for two more college seasons, though he likely will declare for the NFL draft after the 2024 campaign if he builds on his very solid 2023 (3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions, 69.0 completion percentage).

If Manning doesn't win the starting job this upcoming season and Ewers decides to stay with Texas through 2025, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning would have a big decision on his hands—stick around as a potential backup yet again, or transfer to a school where he would be the starter.

NIL considerations seemingly won't factor into the situation. Schlabach reported that the young Manning has been "reluctant to do NIL deals, despite a robust market for his name, image and likeness, as well. His only NIL deal last year was an exclusive trading card partnership with Panini America that included a charitable auction."

As for College Football 25, EA Sports has offered athletes who opt in $600 and a free copy of the game. The popular gaming franchise is returning after an 11-year hiatus following several lawsuits regarding the use of player name, image and likeness rights. With players now permitted to sign NIL deals, the game is making its much-anticipated return.

Ewers is one of the sport's prominent players who have agreed to appear in the game, joining stars like Colorado's two-way dynamo Travis Hunter, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, among others.