Everything’s bigger in Texas. From the stadiums to the steaks to the mascots. So when Eli Manning showed up in burnt orange, the 2x Super Bowl champion got a front-row experience in Lone Star. A dream come true, he said. Meanwhile, his nephew Arch Manning is already turning heads under center for Texas, flashing signs of both his NFL uncles’ poise and production in his first few games. But right now, the spotlight shifts back to the former New York Giants QB stealing the show in a very different way. 

The task is to lead BEVO XV, the university of Texas’ live mascot, into the field. Eli Manning donned Silver Spur regalia and guided the 2,100-pound legend, who is nearly six-foot horned. He led the beast out of the tunnel to the open field. On his X account on September 24, he shared the video with a caption capturing the moment for his ESPN+ docuseries Eli’s Places. “Got to be a @TexasLonghorns Silver Spur for a day on Eli’s Places… Dreams do come true,” he wrote. The video showed Arch Manning’s uncle holding the reins alongside a Spur handler, proving that even NFL legends can be humbled by a steer with a fanbase bigger than most college programs.

BEVO isn’t just for show. Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, explained that the steer’s calm yet commanding demeanor makes him a true Texas icon. “BEVO is a living symbol of the passion and pride people have for the school and the team. We never take that for granted,” he said. Brennes also added that their mascot has a police escort to avoid distracted driving. “BEVO’s demeanor is the sweetest. That’s why he gets to be BEVO,” he said. “Some people think we sedate him. We do not. He just has a calm disposition and such expressive eyes.” 

Four student handlers from the Silver Spurs, an honorary service organization founded in 1937, oversee every hoofstep. Jackson Canter, a former handler, said, “You don’t get asked to join, you get asked to interview.” Clearly, BEVO is treated like royalty, and Eli Manning got a day in his court. While Eli was making history with horns in hand, the eyes of Longhorn Nation were also glued to the other Manning under center. Arch Manning is showing signs and flashes that defined his uncles.

Arch Manning’s balancing act of his uncles’ poise and efficiency

Arch Manning has been busy writing his own Lone Star chapter. His debut against Ohio State wasn’t flawless, but since then, he’s steamrolled three opponents by 31, 17, and 55 points. Through four games, Arch has eight touchdown passes, five rushing scores, and 718 yards, keeping Texas in the top 10 and SEC play looming. A viral graphic comparing the Longhorns QB to his uncles shows he’s right on their heels. 

All three started 5-1 through six games. Peyton Manning threw for 1,682 yards with 13 touchdowns, Eli Manning exuded efficiency with one interception and a 157.4 rating, and Arch Manning is already showing a 158.1 rating despite five turnovers, a perfect mix of poise and production. Unlike his uncles, he’s chasing what neither achieved in college. A national championship, which Texas hasn’t won since Vince Young in 2005. 

With his sky-high NIL valuation, a return for a second year is plausible, allowing Arch Manning to sharpen his edge before a projected top draft slot. Early numbers hint at untapped potential, but the real story will unfold as October and November heat up.