After initially deciding against appearing in the “College Football 25” video game, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning pulled a Uno reverse card.
In a video posted to his social media accounts featuring himself and his uncle Eli Manning, Arch announced on Tuesday that he had changed his mind. This means his name, image and likeness would be included in the game, which will be officially released on July 19. More than 14,000 players have opted in.
Players who opt-in will receive $600 plus a free copy of the game.
Arch’s initial decision not to appear in the game was reportedly concerned with his status as UT’s backup. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported that Manning wanted to wait until “he was the guy” before appearing in the video game.
He is one of the more prominent names in college football despite having just five pass attempts during his freshman season with the Longhorns. He is a big get for EA Sports’ relaunch of the popular video game franchise that hasn’t released a new version since 2014.
Arch completed 2 of his 5 pass attempts for 30 yards in relief against Texas Tech on Nov. 24, 2023. He spent the year backing up Quinn Ewers, who returned to Texas for his junior season in 2024, and Maalik Murphy, who’s since transferred to Duke.
While there was speculation that he would transfer with Ewers returning, Arch chose to stick it out at Texas, stating it was the school he wanted to play for, even if it meant sitting for one more season.
