A rch Manning, the much-hyped Texas Longhorns quarterback, is finally stepping into the spotlight. After spending two years on the bench, he is set to become the starter for the 2025 season . Last year, he saw limited playing time, participating in only 10 games and throwing for 939 yards with nine touchdowns at a 67.8% completion rate . However, when he had the opportunity, he excelled, guiding Texas to two blowout victories with a combined score of 86-16 .

Off the field, Manning has been a superstar, earning nearly $7 million from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals , which makes him the NCAA's top earner . Recently, he traveled to St. Louis, Missouri , to join teammate Ryan Wingo at a youth camp , a move that has fans excited about the team's prospects under coach Steve Sarkisian , who has led the Longhorns to back-to-back semifinal appearances.

Arch Manning Joins Longhorns at Ryan Wingo's St. Louis Youth Camp

Manning didn't travel to St. Louis alone . According to Cory Mose of KVUE , he was accompanied by wide receivers DeAndre Moore Jr. and Aaron Butler , as well as standout linebacker Colin Simmons . They were all there to support Ryan Wingo's camp at his old high school. Wingo is stepping up as Manning's go-to guy this season , especially with Matthew Golden (now with the Packers) and Gunnar Helm (Titans) off to the NFL . As a freshman, Wingo caught 29 passes for 472 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 100 yards on five carries.

The camp wasn't just about drills; it was fun for the local kids, too. A video of Manning kicking back with the older boys went viral , and folks couldn't stop talking about his long-sleeved outfit in Missouri's sticky, 80-degree summer heat. He remained as cool as ever, though. These off-field hangouts are important for a team with sky-high expectations and Manning as their leader. He's already the betting favorite for the Heisman , a feat only Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998) have achieved at Texas.

Manning's NIL Haul and the Season-Opening Showdown

With that kind of NIL cash, you'd think Manning would chip in something extra for Wingo's camp, like gear or sponsorship. If he starts the season strong, that $6.8 million could grow even more . What a way to start! The Longhorns open in Columbus against the defending national champions, Ohio State .

It's a huge challenge for Manning and Sarkisian in Week 1. If they survive that, they have an easier stretch-three home games against weaker opponents -before a bye week and a road trip to play Florida . Win those two marquee games, and Texas could strut into their Red River rivalry with Oklahoma sporting a perfect record. Manning's name would be on every fan's lips.

The St. Louis camp wasn't just a fun detour; it was a sign of the tight-knit crew Texas is building. For a program that hasn't hoisted a title in 20 years, every bit of unity counts. Manning's got the talent and the paycheck, but now it's about turning promise into results.