Arch Manning opts out of EA Sports’ College Football game to ‘focus on playing’… but is there more to the decision than meets the eye?

Texas quarterback Arch Manning opted out of EA Sports’ College Football 25 to keep his focus on the field, according to OrangeBloods’ Anwar Richardson.

The video game is set to be released this summer and will feature all 134 FBS teams. EA Sports announced that over 10,000 athletes have already committed their name, image, and likeness to the game.

Furthermore, EA announced that every athlete who opts in will receive at least $600 and a free copy of the game.

Manning, however, has an estimated NIL value of about $3.8 million, making him one of the most marketable college athletes in the United States.

Despite lacking playing time in the NCAA, his NIL valuation is a testament to the promise major sponsors see in Manning, who comes from a family of successful quarterbacks. In 2023, Manning secured a deal with renowned trading card company Panini America.

Manning spent much of his freshman season as a backup, tallying a pair of passes for 30 yards

Texas’ starting quarterback Quinn Ewers recorded 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns last season

Manning spent most of his freshman season with the Longhorns on the sideline as a backup quarterback. His only taste of college football came in the dying moments of a 57-7 blowout win over Texas Tech where he completed a pair of passes for 30 yards.

His next appearance saw Manning kneel on the final snap of the Big 12 championship game.

Manning previously admitted how challenging his freshman year was after being the primary option throughout his high school career. Ahead of the CFP semifinals, Arch told reporters he had not looked into transferring despite going through ‘a lot of tough days.’

Manning’s focus comes in the pursuit of a starting position for Texas next season. However, to start over starting quarterback Quinn Ewers will be a hard task after he led the Longhorns in their playoff run this past season.

Ewers had 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns in 12 games and has already opted into being part of the video game.