Being a Manning comes with impossible expectations. But Arch has recently been grabbing headlines for living up to all of it and more. The Texas quarterback has something different than Peyton or Eli traits: elusiveness.

Where instinct and elite pocket movement defined Peyton Manning's awe-inspiring career, Arch brings an athleticism that has made him one of college football's most elusive quarterbacks.

"Peyton and Eli were never known for their elusiveness, but don't let that fool you into thinking Arch Manning is just another statue in the pocket," CBS Sports analyst Cody Nagel stated in his recent Top 10 elusive quarterbacks list.

That statement doesn't come from nowhere, though. Manning ranks 8th in yards per scramble (11.2) and 12th in explosive rush rate (19%) among 570 FBS quarterbacks since 2018.

While this already places the five-star recruit at the top of rising NFL prospects, Manning's game is not a one-trick pony.

As Cody Nagel noted on CBS Sports, elusiveness isn't just about raw speed. It's about leaving defenders grabbing at the air, avoiding sacks, and finding explosive gains even amidst a broken play.

Manning lets his performance do the talking.

During the 2025 season, the Texas quarterback threw for 3,163 passing yards and 26 touchdowns while adding a dangerous scrambling element that made him one of the toughest for defenses to contain.

Moreover, despite heavy pressure early on in the campaign, Manning soon adjusted to the field, allowing only 23 sacks overall.

However, there's a more underrated layer to his game, according to the CBS report.

Why Arch Manning's legs are becoming his biggest weapon

The Texas breakout star is breaking the Manning stereotype with unprecedented speed, and he's doing so in vogue.

As CBS's Cody Nagel rightly pointed out, Manning's biggest asset has become his legs, and a top speed of 21.7 mph in a 60-yard touchdown run against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl justifies that. According to Reel Analytics, that was the fastest by a quarterback last season.

Moreover, earlier in the day, he converted a 4th-and-2 with a 15-yard scramble, extending the play, which ended in a first down.

Clearly, Arch Manning being crowned the Citrus Bowl MVP didn't come as a surprise to fans. His ability to create explosive plays is something the team definitely won't sleep on.

Now, back in the mix after an offseason foot injury, Arch Manning is ready to put on the Longhorns' redshirt.

What are your thoughts on Arch Manning's performance in the upcoming season? Let us know!

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Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Rudra Dubey