NIL deals are now rolling in for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. The 19-year-old quarterback signed a partnership with Red Bull on Thursday. He joins Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who became a spokesperson for the energy drink brand in September, as the only two college football players representing the Austrian company.
In a conversation with Complex Magazine, Manning talked about the Ohio State Buckeyes’ standout wide receiver and their NIL collaboration. “Yeah, I actually spoke with (Smith) after our game last week,” Manning said. “He seems like a really great guy and an amazing player. I’m happy for all the success he’s had, and he seems like another great partner.”
Brighid Tully asked Manning to elaborate on his new NIL deal and whether he’s interested in any adventure sports typically linked to the brand.
“It’s great,” Manning said. “I’m really excited about the partnership. Red Bull is an awesome brand, and when they reached out, it just felt like the perfect fit. I’m happy to be part of it… I’m thinking about trying surfing. I plan to take a surf lesson this summer to see what it’s like. So, maybe surfing. I’ve never done it before, but it seems fun, and I enjoy being in the ocean. I’ve never skateboarded, but I did a little skiing when I was younger, so I think I have pretty good balance.” Smith, a true freshman last year, ended the 2024 season with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. The 19-year-old from Miami Gardens, Florida, caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship game against Notre Dame.
Manning, also 19, is anticipated to be the starting quarterback for Texas football in 2025 after spending two seasons as the backup behind Quinn Ewers. According to On3, Manning holds the top spot in NIL valuations, with a worth of $6.6 million—over two million more than Duke Blue Devils basketball star Cooper Flagg, who ranks second.
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