Arch Manning inks first NIL deal as Texas quarterback

Texas quarterback Arch Manning hasn’t even thrown his first official pass in college football and the highly touted recruit has already inked a name, image and likeness deal. 

Trading card company Panini America and Manning announced on Tuesday that they had agreed on a multiyear NIL deal that gives the company the rights to create trading cards, along with exclusive autographs by the Longhorns QB.

The first card being released is a one-of-one Prizm black autographed card that is being auctioned off on Panini’s website and the proceeds will go to St. David’s HealthCare and St. David’s Foundation in Austin, Texas.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in a release announcing the partnership on Tuesday. 

Manning has a $2.8 million On3 NIL Valuation, according to the college sports and recruiting outlet, only behind LSU gymnast Olivia Dunn and USC hoops freshman Bronny James.

Manning is one of the top high school recruits in the class of 2023, being ranked No. 5 overall, according to ESPN. 

Of course, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering his lineage: Manning is the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and son of Cooper Manning. 

However, Manning isn’t expected to start for the Longhorns this season after signing with the program in December.

Quinn Ewers is expected to start for Texas in 2023. 

Ewers also has an NIL deal with Panini and Manning is joining an impressive roster of athletes that are partnered with the company.

Charles Barkley, David Beckham and Christian Pulisic are among Panini America’s athletes, and the company is already partnered with the Manning Passing Academy

“Getting my first Panini trading card is something I couldn’t have imagined growing up,” Manning said in a statement, according to ESPN. “Working with Panini to have my first trading card benefit the larger community is special. Helping children live healthy and fulfilling lives is something that has always been important to my family.”

Panini America’s senior vice president of athlete relations Jason Howarth called Manning an “outstanding addition to the Panini family” in a statement of his own, according to On3. 

Manning has a $2.8 million On3 NIL Valuation, according to the college sports and recruiting outlet.