Arch Manning takes cheeky dig at uncle Peyton Manning after winning Citrus Bowl MVP in 41-27 win vs. Michigan

Arch Manning hype will carry into 2026. The Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and nephew of Peyton Manning wrapped up his season against the troubled Michigan Wolverines in a quality performance. Manning earned the Citrus Bowl MVP, helping to put up 41 points in the final game of the season.

After the game, the Volunteers quarterback was asked for his reaction, and he took a slight dig at his uncle. In the clip via Dov Kleiman on Thursday, Manning claimed he wasn't looking to play in the Citrus Bowl again.

"Nothing against the Citrus Bowl, but I think he played in it twice," Manning said. "I don't want to have to play in it twice."

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Peyton played in the contest twice. He played in the game in 1995 and 1996 and, like Arch, won a Citrus Bowl MVP.

It was unclear whether Arch was explaining that his goal was to get into the College Football Playoff in 2026 or if he was planning on skipping the contest next year in the lead-up to what would be a run to the 2027 NFL Draft.

Arch completed 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions against the Michigan Wolverines.

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Arch Manning echoes Peyton Manning's production in first full season

Arch Manning at Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Michigan vs Texas - Source: Getty

In 1995, Peyton Manning played his first full season. Three decades later, Arch Manning played his first full season. Both quarterbacks had an eerily similar workload. One year before their first starting seasons, both quarterbacks saw limited action in many games.

Arch threw for nine touchdowns and two interceptions in 2024 while Peyton threw for 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 1994. However, in 2025 and 1995, both quarterbacks saw a similar jump.

Peyton threw for 22 touchdowns, four interceptions, and 2,954 yards. Arch, 30 years later, threw for 26 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and 3,163 yards.

While both quarterbacks were close in similar places in their college careers, Arch has one step on his uncle on the ground. Manning only took sacks in college, while Arch rushed for 399 yards and ten touchdowns in 2025.

Peyton, however, managed to score on the ground to the tune of 12 touchdowns over the course of his college career. With time left to play in college, however, Arch has already eclipsed that number with 14 touchdowns.

If Arch can keep his development through the air in line with his uncle and sprinkle in some extra mobility, the quarterback might have a shot to miss the Citrus Bowl, but it will be up to him.

Edited by Ian Van Roy