EA Sports College Football 25 is the long-awaited revival of the popular video game series, and fans can't wait to play with some of the 11,000 student-athletes who can appear in the game later this year.
Unfortunately, they'll have to wait a little longer for Arch Manning.
The Texas QB has decided to opt out of appearing in the game, which will force EA Sports to insert a computer-generated quarterback to take his spot on the Texas roster.
By opting out, Manning sacrifices a flat $600 payment and a copy of the game. He could have earned even more if he was selected as an "ambassador" of the game, considering his popularity.
Manning is the biggest college football name to opt out of the popular video game franchise. Here's why the famous signal-caller won't be virtually suiting up anytime soon.
More: EA Sports College Football 25 releases trailer
Why is Arch Manning not in EA Sports College Football 25?
Manning entered college with high expectations after a decorated high school career. With a family tree that includes Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, Arch seemed destined for success.
MORE: Meet Arch Manning, the latest QB prodigy following Peyton, Eli in the Manning family tree
He committed to the University of Texas but spent his freshman season backing up Quinn Ewers. With Ewers returning for another year after leading Texas to the CFP semifinals, Manning seems destined for backup duties again.
Whether that means Manning will eventually enter the transfer portal is yet to be determined, but none of the outside noise seems to interest him. That includes EA Sports College Football 25.
Manning is reportedly "focused on playing football on the field," Anwar Richardson wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Multiple people have told me Texas redshirt quarterback Arch Manning will not opt into EA Sports College Football 25. I'm told Arch is focused on playing football on the field. pic.twitter.com/dCFHdAuMZ1
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) March 5, 2024
Manning, who turns 19 in April, completed just 2-of-5 passes and rushed three times last year for Texas.
Arch Manning NIL deal
While Manning will be missing out on $600 and a free copy of EA Sports College Football 25, he's still raking in millions through his NIL deals.
The nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning has an NIL valuation of $2.8 million, according to On3. This is the fifth-highest among all eligible amateur athletes and second within college football behind Shedeur Sanders.
Manning's only listed endorsement on On3 is with Panini America.
EA Sports College Football 25 release date & trailer
EA Sports hasn't declared an official release date for the revival of the college football video game franchise. The game's teaser detailed that a full reveal of the game would come in May.
