WATCH: Texas star Arch Manning and dad Cooper show up to support Austin high school football matchup

By Aman Sharma

Modified Sep 07, 2024 17:51 GMT

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning appeared at a local Austin high school football game with his father, Cooper. The duo was spotted in the stands on Thursday night watching Austin High School secure a tight 35-34 victory over Round Rock Westwood.

Arch's high school career at Isidore Newman in New Orleans was amazing. Manning got an incredible 9,754 total yards, with 8,599 coming from passes and 1,155 from his runs, while he also got 140 touchdowns. He executed 2,300 passing yards with 34 touchdowns and two interceptions in his senior year.

Manning’s successes in high school brought Isidore Newman a 34-9 historical record. He set a school record by throwing 115 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions, thus securing his title as the top prospect in 2022.

Despite his impressive stats, Manning started the 2024 season as the backup to Quinn Ewers, a former Southlake Carroll standout. In Texas’ Week 1 52-0 win over Colorado State, Manning made a brief but impactful appearance.

Manning, who registered 5 of 6 passes for 95 yards, capitalized on a remarkable start with a five-yard touchdown pass to Silas Bolden. He also displayed his quick feet with a one-yard quarterback-keeper touchdown run. The Longhorns, who clinched the number three position, are preparing for a major battle with the tenth-ranked Michigan this Saturday at 11 a.m. Central.

Peyton Manning proud of nephew Arch Manning's decision to stay at Texas

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning was excited about his nephew, Arch, making Texas his new home for the rest of his college football career. Given his sparse participation in 2023, Arch remains the reserve quarterback for the starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.

"I'm proud of Arch," Peyton shared on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. "Most kids would’ve likely left in that situation, but he stayed because he wanted to play for Texas, for Sark. Those are the right reasons to choose a college."

Arch and Ewers share a strong relationship, and Peyton is confident in Ewers' potential.

"I think Quinn’s going to have a great year," he added.

The NFL legend also revealed that he watched Arch's late-game debut during Texas' dominant 52-0 win over Colorado State in Week 1. Arch completed both pass attempts, including a 40-yard throw to tight end Johntay Cook III and a five-yard touchdown to wide receiver Silas Bolden.

"It was fun to see him get in there, Pat," Peyton Manning told McAfee. "My dad's speed and athletic ability kind of skipped a generation. It went to him. It did not come to me and Eli. So he can run, he can move. And the celebration on the sideline, hey, I have no clue when it comes that. But I'm happy for him."

Peyton spent 18 seasons in the NFL, compiled 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdowns, with five MVP awards, two Super Bowl victories, and 14 Pro Bowl selections.