Arch Manning, one of college football’s most talked-about quarterbacks and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is taking notes from some of today’s top NFL stars as he prepares for his upcoming season with the Texas Longhorns. While he has the benefit of learning from a family full of elite quarterbacks — including his uncles Peyton and Eli, and his grandfather Archie — Manning is also looking beyond his famous lineage for guidance.
At the Manning Passing Academy, Arch was asked which current quarterbacks he studies the most. Without hesitation, he named Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He cited both players’ toughness, leadership, and ability to compete at the highest level as qualities he admires and wants to emulate in his own game.
“I’m watching a lot of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow right now,” Manning said. “Those are my guys. They’re dogs. I’ve watched some of their college film. They’re just good players, elite competitors, and fun to watch.” His comments reflect a deep respect for their playing styles, especially their poise under pressure and ability to make plays when things break down.
Manning was particularly impressed by Josh Allen’s physicality and improvisational skills. He praised Allen’s ability to extend plays with both his arm and legs, calling him “the ultimate football player.” According to Manning, Allen’s fearless approach and commitment to doing whatever it takes to win are attributes he wants to bring to his own game. Recently, the NFL highlighted Allen’s rising superstar status, praising his unmatched athleticism, leadership, and the way he consistently puts his team in a position to succeed — whether by launching deep passes or bulldozing through defenders on the ground.
With Manning at the helm, Texas enters the 2025 season as a projected top-five team. Expectations are high, both for the program and for its star quarterback. If Manning continues to develop by studying quarterbacks like Allen and Burrow — while drawing from the experience of his own family — he has the potential to make a major impact at the college level and eventually, in the NFL.
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