If it’s in the game, it’s in the game — Arch Manning included.
The University of Texas quarterback has decided to be included in EA Sports College Football 25 after multiple reports in March indicated he would not be included in the video game, which is making a return after an 11-year hiatus.
Manning announced his decision in a video on his social media account that included his uncle, Giants legend Eli Manning, calling out plays from a sheet while the Longhorns backup held a controller, firing a touchdown into the back of the end zone.
“Touchdown, now that’s why you’re in the game!” the two-time Super Bowl champion said to his nephew.
“EA Sports, I’m in the game,” Arch said while giving a “Hook ‘Em Horns” motion at the end.
The ad was a pricey one for the sports video game company, which has paid the younger Manning between $50,000-$60,000 to promote the College Football 25, according to ON3.
While Manning will be in the virtual game, the Texas sophomore still likely won’t be on the field much during the 2024 season.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who led Texas to the College Football Playoff last year, announced in January that he would be in fact returning to Austin for another season.
That left Manning, a highly sough-after five-star recruit out of the Isidore Newman School, in a tough situation, one that would almost undoubtedly keep him on the bench for another year.
He cleared the air earlier this week, saying that while it is a tough spot to be in, he does feel at home in Texas.
“But [it came down to] just realizing there’s nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas,” Manning told The Athletic.
“I’m going to stick it out and play there eventually.”
College Football 25 releases on July 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.