Peyton Manning appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday and discussed his nephew, Arch Manning, ahead of Texas’ big game against Michigan on Saturday.

Arch Manning had a decision to make after Quinn Ewers decided to return to college for the 2024 season rather than enter the NFL Draft. As a former 5-star prospect, Manning surely would have had plenty of offers from schools around the country who were looking for a starting quarterback this fall.

While the transfer portal was one option, remaining at Texas to be Ewers’ backup for another season was the other. That’s the choice he ultimately made — with an eye on becoming Texas’ starter in 2025.

Peyton Manning said on McAfee’s show Friday that Arch decided to stay at Texas for the “right reasons.”

“I’m proud of Arch, I’m proud of him,” Peyton said. “Like you said, most kids probably wouldn’t have stayed in that situation. He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college there, he wanted to play for Sark. Those are the right reasons you should choose a college.

“I’m glad he’s staying there. And he and Quinn have a good relationship. I think Quinn is gonna have a great year.”

Here’s the extended segment of Peyton talking about his nephew with McAfee:

Ewers is off to a good start in 2024 after leading Texas to a big win over Colorado State in Week 1. Manning isn’t expected to play a role for the Longhorns this season provided that Ewers remains healthy.

Still, it’s clear that Manning has elite potential as a quarterback. Depending on where Ewers is selected and how Manning develops, he could become first Texas first-round pick at the quarterback positions since Vince Young in 2006.

Manning, who redshirted in 2023, will have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining after this fall.

Texas will take on Michigan at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor.