Arch Manning, born on April 27, 2005, is a redshirt freshman at the University of Texas. As the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, the 19-year-old recently led the Texas Longhorns to a 56-7 blowout win. He got the crowd of nearly 102,000 buzzing, along with millions of fans on social media, proving the Manning family legacy is not too heavy on his shoulders.
During a game against UTSA, Arch got his moment to shine, stepping in for injured starter Quinn Ewers. Impressively, he threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns, plus ran for a 67-yard touchdown. It was an electric play, marking the longest run by a Texas QB since Vince Young, who holds the school record with an 80-yard touchdown from the 2005 season!
Arch is already making his mark, and it’s clear he’s the next big name in the Manning football dynasty. With Ewers possibly out for a while, fans are eager for Arch to get more chances to show off his skills. At the same time, there’s growing curiosity about his personal life, including his dating affairs and family background.
Why Fans Thought Olivia Dunne Might Be Arch Manning’s Girlfriend (And What Happened)
Arch Manning, 19, was rumored to be in a relationship with American gymnast Olivia Dunne, 21. The speculations began in 2023 after the duo followed each other on Instagram. As usual, fan theories were in abundance on the internet that the two might be seeing each other. This was further fueled by their social media activity when each of them posted cryptic messages on their social media accounts—Dunne with “tis the pre-szn” and Manning with “Spring coolin”—which some fans interpreted as secret references to each other.
The public interest and speculation only got more heated from there on. The online interaction between Arch Manning and Olivia Dunne was something fans were unwilling to stop gossiping about anytime soon. The fact that Dunne said she preferred “country boys,” which perfectly aligned with Manning’s image, only seemed to confirm their dating endeavors. However, it was not to be, much to the fans’ disappointment.
Olivia Dunne publicly confirmed her relationship with rookie MLB player Paul Skenes, 22, in August 2023, through joint social media posts and subsequent public appearances. She attended her partner’s debut game for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024.
Manning, meanwhile, has never publicly discussed his romantic life; it was all conjecture from fans. He remains consistently private, choosing to focus on his football career and avoid speculations that are inevitable for someone who is often in the spotlight.
As of 2024, Arch Manning does not appear to be dating and is single, at least publicly. Despite fans’ curiosity about his girlfriend, he seems fully invested in his rising career.
Arch Manning’s Father, Cooper Manning: From Injured Star to Supportive Dad
Arch Manning’s father is Copper Manning, the eldest brother of the famous Manning family. He is known for his unfilled potential in football that ended tragically and prematurely. He played wide receiver at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, the same high school where Arch would later make his mark.
Cooper was all set to continue his football journey at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), but his plans did not pan out the way he hoped. A diagnosis of spinal stenosis—a condition that narrows the spinal canal—forced him to retire from the sport before he even started college.
Despite the setback, Cooper built a successful career in business, focusing on energy investments. He also found his way into TV, hosting Fox Sports’ “The Manning Hour,” where he’s known for his sense of humor and sharp wit. He tends to remain rather low-key if you compare him to his brothers, Peyton and Eli, but Cooper still plays a massive role in his son Arch’s life and remains a key figure in the Manning family.
Arch Manning has a great relationship with both his parents, who have been married since 1999. His mother is Ellen Heidingsfelder, an attorney based in New Orleans, who is probably the least public member of the Manning family. She creates a supportive home for their kids and has maintained a relatively private life.
Is Arch Manning Related to Peyton Manning?
Arch Manning is indeed related to former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. His uncle is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Peyton had a legendary college career at the University of Tennessee before becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
The young Arch’s other uncle is another Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Eli Manning. He led the New York Giants to two victories over the New England Patriots in Super Bowls 42 and 46. He also played college football at Ole Miss, continuing the family legacy there.
Arch Manning’s grandfather is the legendary quarterback Archie Manning, who played 14 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1978 and 1979 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
