Arch Manning's family tree: Meet Texas QB's dad, mom and his relation to Peyton, Eli Manning

Is there a more recognizable last name in football than Manning? The careers of Archie, Peyton and Eli speak for themselves, but another Manning is waiting in the wings to follow in the family business.

Arch Manning has big shoes to fill and a lot of pressure to play well. Still, while his family has a legacy at Ole Miss and Tennessee, Arch decided to pave his own path by attending the University of Texas. Manning was set to backup Quinn Ewers, who redshirted his freshman year.

With a bright future ahead of him, and some analysts already calling him the unquestioned first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Sporting News introduces you to the Manning family tree. 

Who is Arch Manning's dad?

While you have likely heard of Archie, Peyton and Eli, none of them are Arch's dad. Archie and his wife Olivia had three sons: Cooper, Peyton and Eli. Cooper's football career ended early, so he wasn't able to follow in his father's footsteps personally. 

Cooper and his wife Ellen welcomed Arch in 2005. He was the second of the couple's three children, joining his sister May and younger brother Heid. 

Is Arch Manning related to Peyton Manning?

Arch is Peyton's nephew, Eli's nephew, and the second-eldest of the Manning grandchildren. 

Arch Manning family tree

Archie's legal name is Elisha Archibald Manning III. He and his wife have three children: Cooper, Peyton and Eli. Cooper and his wife Ellen have May, Arch and Heid. Peyton had twins Marshall and Mosley in 2011. Eli and his wife Abby have four kids: Ava, Lucy, Carolina and Charles. 

Arch Manning dad

Cooper stopped playing football in high school after he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. He was highly ranked and had committed to Ole Miss, but immediately ended his playing career. Cooper has since gone into investing and has focused on the energy sector. He hosted a revival of "College Bowl" with Peyton in 2021 and 2022, but it lasted only those two years. Cooper has done various other TV spots, with the consistent tagline being that he is the other Manning brother. 

Arch Manning Mom

Ellen Heidingsfelder married Cooper in 1999. She doesn't share much of her personal life but is an accomplished lawyer in Louisiana. Ellen went to Loyola University as an undergrad and then studied law at the University of Virginia. 

Arch Manning uncles

Arch's most well-known relatives are his uncles, Peyton and Eli.

Peyton Manning

Peyton changed his number in high school to 18 after Cooper stopped playing due to his injury. Many expected Peyton to go to Ole Miss like his father Archie did, but instead, Peyton chose to play for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was also mulling over Florida and Michigan, and if he had joined the Wolverines, they might not have needed to bring in Tom Brady the following year.

Peyton finished his time at Tennessee as the SEC's all-time leader in passing yards (11,201) and touchdowns (89). The Indianapolis Colts drafted him as the first pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning spent 18 years in the NFL and won Super Bowl XLI and 50. He has the third-most passing yards and passing touchdowns in NFL history. Peyton was inducted into the NFL's Hall of Fame in 2021.

Peyton Manning stats

Eli Manning

Eli followed in Archie's footsteps and attended Ole Miss. He played for the Rebels for five years and ended his career with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. 

The San Diego Chargers took Eli with the first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, but traded him to the New York Giants before Day 1 of the draft was over. He spent all 16 years of his professional career with New York, winning Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. Eli was a 4x Pro Bowler, and it is commonly debated whether he deserves the NFL Hall of Fame. He will be first eligible for the HOF in 2025.

Eli Manning stats

How old is Arch Manning?

Arch was born on April 27, 2005. He is 19 years old, playing in his redshirt freshman year at Texas.