The name Manning usually conjures up images of statuesque pocket passers, guys who could pick a defense apart while standing in a phone booth. You don't think "blazing speed" when you think of Peyton or Eli. But Arch is different. Kinda wildly different, honestly.
Ever since he stepped on the field at Texas, the Arch Manning 40 time has been the subject of some serious hype and a lot of message board debates. Most sources, including high school scouting data from On3, have him pegged at a 4.6-second 40-yard dash.
To put that in perspective, that’s not just "fast for a Manning." It’s fast for almost anyone playing the position.
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The numbers behind the Arch Manning 40 time
If you look at the 2024 NFL Combine, a 4.6 would have made Arch the second-fastest quarterback in the entire event. He basically blows his uncles out of the water. Peyton clocked a 4.8 back in the day, and Eli was even further back at a 4.9.
But it’s not just about a timed sprint in shorts. We’ve seen it on the field.
During a game against UTSA in late 2024, Arch took off on a 67-yard touchdown run that left everyone’s jaw on the floor. He wasn't just outrunning linebackers; he was pulling away from the secondary.
GPS tracking data from that play actually clocked him at 20.7 mph.
That is legit. For context, Dolphins star Tyreek Hill—the "Cheetah" himself—was clocked at 20.3 mph on a similar long touchdown run in the same week. Now, nobody is saying Arch is faster than Tyreek in a 100-meter dash, but it proves he has "football speed" that translates when the pads are on.
Comparing Arch to NFL Stars
It’s fun to look at how he stacks up against current NFL starters. A 4.6 40-yard dash is better than several guys known for their mobility.
- Josh Allen: 4.75 seconds
- Patrick Mahomes: 4.80 seconds
- Dak Prescott: 4.79 seconds
- Joe Burrow: 4.90 seconds
Arch is effectively entering a territory where he can be a true dual-threat weapon. Steve Sarkisian has leaned into this, using him on designed runs and RPOs where the defense actually has to respect his legs.
Why he’s faster than the rest of the family
So, where did the speed come from? If you ask his dad, Cooper Manning, he’ll joke that Arch definitely got the "fast genes" from his mom’s side. But in reality, Arch has spent a huge amount of time working with Texas strength coach Tory Beckton.
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During SEC Media Days, Arch was pretty blunt about it. He joked that his uncles just "didn't happen to get any" of the family's speed. He credited the summer conditioning at Texas for helping him reach that 20+ mph threshold.
The physical profile is there too. At 6'4" and around 220 pounds, he has a stride length that covers a lot of ground very quickly. He’s not a "scat-back" style runner; he’s a long-strider who builds momentum.
The 2025 Season and "The Run"
In the 2025 season, specifically in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, we saw this athleticism on full display again. He ripped off a 23-yard touchdown run where he didn't just find a hole—he out-leveraged the defense to the corner.
He ended that 2025 campaign with 10 rushing touchdowns. That’s more than Peyton, Eli, and their father Archie had combined in their entire college careers.
It’s a different era of football, sure. But the Arch Manning 40 time of 4.6 is a real indicator that the Manning family tree has evolved.
What this means for his NFL Draft stock
NFL scouts are already salivating over the 2026 draft. When you take the Manning "processor" brain and put it inside an athlete who runs a 4.6, you get a prospect that looks like a first-overall pick.
The modern NFL doesn't really want statues anymore. Even the best pocket passers need to be able to escape a collapsing edge or pick up a crucial third-and-5 with their legs. Arch does that effortlessly.
The biggest thing scouts look for now isn't just the 40 time, but "play speed." Arch’s ability to maintain his throwing mechanics while moving at high speeds is what really separates him. He isn't just a runner; he’s a mobile passer.
Staying Grounded Amid the Hype
It hasn't been all perfect. He’s had games where he struggled with consistency, particularly against top-tier SEC defenses like Georgia. But the physical tools—the arm and the legs—are undeniable.
His 2025 stats showed a kid who is still learning, but one who has a much higher "ceiling" than people expected because of that athleticism. He finished the year with nearly 400 rushing yards.
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That might not sound like Lamar Jackson numbers, but for a Manning? It’s revolutionary.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Scouts
If you're tracking Arch's progress toward the NFL, keep an eye on these specific markers:
- GPS Top Speed: Watch if he consistently hits that 20 mph mark in games. It's a better indicator of "pro speed" than a hand-timed 40.
- Designed Runs: See if Texas continues to increase his "Q Power" and RPO looks. It shows how much they trust his durability.
- Scramble Efficiency: Look at his yards per carry when plays break down. A 4.6 speed should mean he rarely gets caught from behind by defensive ends.
The Arch Manning 40 time has officially ended the "slow Manning" era. He's a new breed. Whether he's under center or taking off down the sideline, he's proving that he’s got the legacy in his head and the lightning in his feet.