On Tuesday, Arch Manning revealed his new NIL deal.

Arch Manning’s growing influence as one of college football’s most valuable athletes is due in large part to his incredible NIL deals. Since the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation allowing college athletes to profit from their name and likeness, Manning has quickly become one of the most recognized and lucrative figures in the landscape. His recent partnership with Uber and the Waymo self-driving taxi service marks just the latest in a series of high-profile endorsements for the young star, continuing to solidify his place among the highest-earning student-athletes in the country.

Arch Manning’s NIL Journey: A Rising Star

The Texas Longhorns quarterback is already known for his athletic talent, following in the footsteps of his legendary family. As the grandson of Hall of Fame quarterback Archie Manning and nephew of former NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has carried the Manning name with pride throughout his early career. He began garnering national attention long before committing to Texas, partly due to his high school success and the immense expectations that accompany the Manning legacy.

However, it was the NIL era that really allowed Arch Manning to turn his status into a financial powerhouse. His deals, which include sponsorships from major brands, endorsement partnerships, and significant media appearances, have redefined what it means to be a college athlete in the modern age. Manning’s rise to prominence in this new era is indicative of the shifting dynamics of college sports, where personal brand value now plays a pivotal role in an athlete’s overall success.

A Lucrative Partnership with Uber and Waymo

On Tuesday, Arch Manning revealed his new NIL partnership with Uber, coinciding with the company’s expansion of its autonomous vehicle service, Waymo, into Austin, Texas. In this collaboration, Manning not only becomes the face of Waymo’s launch in the Texas market but also participates in a humorous and high-profile advertisement alongside his father, Cooper, and grandfather, Archie Manning. The commercial highlights the generational aspect of the Manning family while showcasing the futuristic technology of self-driving cars.

The partnership is a perfect match, combining Manning’s star power with Uber’s innovative self-driving taxi service. Manning’s large fan base, particularly in Texas and the surrounding regions, makes him an ideal representative for a service aimed at revolutionizing local transportation. As autonomous vehicles become more common, having a figure like Manning, with both national recognition and a strong connection to the Texas community, provides a unique marketing opportunity for Uber and Waymo.

Red Bull Deal: A Game-Changer for Manning’s NIL Portfolio

Before the Uber collaboration, Manning made headlines when he signed a deal with Red Bull in early 2025. This partnership marked one of the most lucrative NIL deals for a college athlete to date, valued at approximately $6.6 million. This was a huge deal not just in financial terms but also in terms of how it showcased Manning’s marketability. Red Bull, known for its association with elite athletes across various sports, recognized Manning’s potential as an athlete with both on-field skill and a large following.

The Red Bull deal allowed Manning to align himself with a global brand that is synonymous with extreme sports, innovation, and energy. Given the nature of Red Bull’s sponsorships, this deal allows Manning to venture into various forms of media and promotional content, including commercials, social media activations, and possibly even events in the future. For Manning, it also represents a level of stability and a long-term relationship with one of the most recognized brands in the world of sports.

This deal also brings to the forefront an interesting aspect of NIL deals — how college athletes are becoming much more than athletes. Manning’s association with Red Bull places him firmly in the realm of pop culture, marketing, and media, something that has traditionally been reserved for professional athletes. This kind of exposure is valuable not only for Manning’s financial growth but for his post-college career, as it helps him build connections that could potentially extend beyond football.

College Football’s Changing Landscape: NIL’s Impact

Manning’s ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented by NIL is indicative of the wider changes taking place in college football. When NIL rights were granted to student-athletes, it opened up the potential for athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness in ways that had been previously prohibited by the NCAA. For some, this represents a significant windfall; for others, it has brought about challenges in navigating the complexities of endorsement deals, media appearances, and the pressure that comes with newfound fame.

The presence of NIL collectives — groups organized by universities or boosters to help athletes navigate NIL deals — has also become a key component of recruiting, as top prospects now consider not just the athletic programs they join but also the potential financial opportunities available to them. Manning’s NIL success has set a benchmark, with universities now offering more tailored support to help athletes maximize their earning potential. His growing presence in major endorsement deals is a case study in how NIL opportunities can shape a college athlete’s career path both on and off the field.

Manning’s Personal Brand and Long-Term Vision

While Manning is still early in his college career, it’s clear that he has a vision for his brand beyond just football. With each new deal, whether it’s with Red Bull, Uber, or others, Manning is setting himself up for financial success and leveraging his public image in ways few athletes in his position have been able to do. Unlike past generations of athletes who had to wait until turning professional to secure large endorsement deals, Manning is demonstrating how NIL can radically shift the trajectory of an athlete’s career while still in college.

This strategy has garnered significant attention from other up-and-coming athletes, particularly those in the football and basketball spheres. Many are watching closely to see how Manning’s brand evolves over the next few years, especially considering the potential for long-term partnerships that extend beyond college sports. Manning’s ability to maintain his focus on football while navigating the business side of his career will likely be an area of interest for sports analysts and marketers alike.

A Legacy in the Making

As Arch Manning continues to balance academics, athletics, and his burgeoning business ventures, he is already building a legacy that extends well beyond the football field. The combination of his high-profile family background, on-field talent, and savvy personal brand management is helping him stand out in an increasingly competitive field of NIL-focused athletes. While many of his peers are also seeing success in their endorsement deals, Manning’s family history, athletic pedigree, and ability to connect with fans and brands alike give him an edge in the market.

The Uber and Waymo deal is just another chapter in what promises to be an exciting career, both in football and outside of it. For Manning, the future looks incredibly bright — not just as a potential NFL star but also as a business mogul who has tapped into the new era of college athlete marketing.

In conclusion, Arch Manning is quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in the world of college sports, and his NIL deals are just the beginning of what could be an incredibly lucrative and successful career. His ability to leverage his family legacy, athletic talent, and brand partnerships shows how the landscape of college athletics has evolved, and Manning’s continued success could have a lasting impact on future generations of athletes.