The much-anticipated return of the beloved “EA Sports College Football” series has stirred excitement among fans, marking the first release since the 2013 edition. Despite lacking an official release date, the forthcoming game has become a focal point of attention, especially amidst the enthusiasm surrounding college stars and the NFL Combine 2024.
Meanwhile, with the buzz surrounding this eagerly awaited gaming event, speculation took center stage as Arch Manning, the backup quarterback for the University of Texas, made a notable move.
Arch Manning opts out of EA Sports College Football 25
Arch Manning has made the decision to abstain from being featured in “EA Sports College Football 25”. The rationale behind this choice, as reported by Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods, is Manning’s commitment to focusing on his on-field performance rather than virtual representation.
The highly anticipated game, scheduled for release this summer, promises to feature all 134 FBS teams. ESPN revealed that over 10,000 athletes have already chosen to participate, with each athlete receiving a minimum compensation of $600 along with a complimentary copy of the game.
As a five-star recruit in the 2023 class according to 247Sports composite rankings, the young star quickly became one of the most prized student-athletes in college football upon joining the Texas Longhorns last season. His entrance into the college ranks was marked by immense hype, given his lineage as the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of former Saints quarterback Archie Manning.
During his freshman season with the Longhorns, the 18-year-old saw limited playing time as a backup to Quinn Ewers, completing just two passes for 30 yards. Despite being the former top prospect in the Class of 2022, Manning faces stiff competition in his quest to secure a starting role, particularly against the talented Ewers.
While his absence from “EA Sports College Football 25” may come as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting his virtual debut, the decision to focus on his on-field development could ultimately prove beneficial.
Nevertheless, while he opts out of the game, numerous other notable players, including Ewers, Jalen Milroe, Carson Beck, Dillon Gabriel, and Travis Hunter have already committed to being featured.
Arch Manning already earning more than NFL QBs
Apart from his on-field performance, Arch Manning has found himself in the spotlight once again, this time for his remarkable NIL earnings. According to On3 NIL, he currently ranks as the fifth highest-paid player in NIL, boasting an impressive income of $2.8 million.
Though he is still a college athlete, Manning’s NIL valuation surpasses that of established NFL quarterback Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers starter, brother of Chubba Purdy, earned a base salary of $870,000 in the 2022 NFL season. Stunningly, the NFL quarterback also pales in comparison to Manning’s lucrative NIL earnings.
In response to speculation regarding his NIL income compared to Purdy’s NFL salary, he remained humble and expressed doubt regarding the claims. Manning also clarified that his parents oversee his NIL deals, sharing his detachment from the financial aspects of his career.
“I’m not involved with my NIL. You would have to ask my dad about that. I have no idea. I don’t think I’m making however much more than Brock Purdy. Someone sent me that the other day.”
Manning’s down-to-earth attitude and focus on his athletic development already let him garner a large fanbase. The rising star remains grounded and lets his performance speak for itself, regardless of his immense earning potential.
