The Manning family has a connection to the starting quarterbacks for Notre Dame and Ohio State football.

The Manning family has long been synonymous with quarterback excellence in the NFL. From Peyton Manning and Eli Manning to Arch Manning, the family has produced multiple generations of top-tier quarterbacks. As the Manning legacy continues to evolve, a new chapter is being written not only in the NFL but also in college football. Recently, the Manning name has made its way into discussions surrounding two of the most prestigious college football programs in the country: Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Both of these programs boast rich football traditions and have consistently developed NFL talent. However, the connection to the Manning family runs deeper than just passing mention in recruiting reports or pre-game analyses. The starting quarterbacks at both Notre Dame and Ohio State — Sam Hartman and Kyle McCord, respectively — have personal ties to the legendary Manning family, further strengthening the connection between one of the NFL’s most famous families and two of college football’s most storied programs.

This article will explore the Manning family’s connection to both Notre Dame and Ohio State football, diving into how this relationship impacts the programs and what it means for the future of both teams. We’ll look at the backgrounds of Sam Hartman and Kyle McCord, the Manning family’s influence on their careers, and how the connections between these players and the Mannings might shape their paths toward the NFL.

The Manning Family Legacy

Before diving into the specifics of the Notre Dame and Ohio State connection, it’s essential to understand the legacy of the Manning family in the football world.

The Manning family’s journey in football began with Archie Manning, a standout quarterback in the NFL who played for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings during the 1970s and 1980s. Archie’s success on the field was matched by his humility and leadership, making him a beloved figure in the football community. But it was his sons, Peyton and Eli, who truly solidified the Manning name as a symbol of quarterback greatness.

Peyton Manning, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, spent the bulk of his career with the Indianapolis Colts and later with the Denver Broncos. A five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, Peyton was known for his incredible football IQ, precision passing, and leadership on the field.

Eli Manning, the younger brother of Peyton, carved out his own legacy with the New York Giants. Though his career may not have been as statistically dominant as Peyton’s, Eli’s two Super Bowl victories — particularly his victories over the New England Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI — have cemented his place in NFL history as one of the most clutch quarterbacks of his era.

Then, in recent years, the focus of the Manning family shifted toward the next generation: Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, Peyton and Eli’s older brother. Arch, a highly-touted high school quarterback, committed to the University of Texas, and is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. Arch’s talent and potential have drawn comparisons to both Peyton and Eli, sparking excitement about what the future holds for the Manning family in college football and the NFL.

While the Mannings have made their mark in the NFL, their influence has spread to the college ranks as well. Both Peyton and Eli have ties to college football programs that have consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, including Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Sam Hartman and His Connection to the Manning Family

At Notre Dame, the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish in 2025 is Sam Hartman, a player who has already made waves in college football. Hartman’s connection to the Manning family goes beyond just shared quarterbacking prowess. He was mentored by none other than Peyton Manning during his time at Wake Forest University, where Hartman played for several years before transferring to Notre Dame in 2025.

Hartman, who originally hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoyed a standout career at Wake Forest, where he amassed over 12,000 passing yards and became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the program’s history. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership, Hartman developed a reputation as a reliable and highly effective quarterback. However, his connection to the Mannings goes back even further than his college career.

During his time in high school, Hartman attended the Manning Passing Academy, an elite camp that offers instruction to the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. This camp, founded by Archie Manning and later run by Peyton, Eli, and Cooper, has been an essential stop for many of the best quarterbacks in the country. Hartman attended this camp, where he worked closely with Peyton Manning, who took the time to mentor him on the finer points of the quarterback position.

The mentorship Hartman received from Peyton Manning proved invaluable, as the future Notre Dame quarterback developed a deep understanding of the game’s nuances. Peyton’s attention to detail and his ability to break down offensive schemes left a lasting impact on Hartman, who credits Manning’s guidance as a crucial factor in his growth as a quarterback.

As Hartman prepares to lead Notre Dame’s offense in 2025, he is carrying with him not only the lessons learned from Peyton Manning but also the confidence of being groomed by one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks. This connection to the Manning family has already paid dividends in Hartman’s development, and it’s expected to continue influencing his playing style as he navigates the demanding college football landscape.

Kyle McCord’s Ties to the Manning Family

Meanwhile, at Ohio State, another starting quarterback has a connection to the Manning family. Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes’ signal-caller, is the player tasked with continuing Ohio State’s proud tradition of elite quarterback play. McCord’s tie to the Mannings comes through his high school coach, Brian Bowers, who played a pivotal role in McCord’s recruitment.

Bowers, a former assistant coach at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, worked closely with McCord during his high school career. Bowers was not only a mentor to McCord but also had a personal connection to the Manning family. He was friends with Cooper Manning, Peyton and Eli’s older brother, who has long been involved with the Manning Passing Academy. Through his relationship with Cooper Manning, Bowers was introduced to the Mannings, and that connection became integral to McCord’s development as a quarterback.

McCord, who had already established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in high school, attended the Manning Passing Academy during his time at St. Joseph’s Prep. There, he had the opportunity to work directly with Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and even Cooper Manning, learning valuable insights into the mechanics of being an elite quarterback. The experience proved to be a transformative one for McCord, who benefited from the elite coaching and the chance to learn from one of the most successful quarterback families in history.

As McCord prepares for his role as the starting quarterback for Ohio State in 2025, the lessons from the Manning family continue to resonate with him. The experience he gained from attending the Manning Passing Academy, along with the personal connections he developed with the Mannings, has shaped McCord’s approach to the game and solidified his understanding of the quarterback position.

The Impact of the Manning Family’s Influence

Both Sam Hartman and Kyle McCord have benefitted immensely from the Manning family’s involvement in their respective careers. Whether it’s Peyton Manning’s mentorship of Hartman or the personal connection McCord has through his high school coach, the Mannings have left an indelible mark on the development of these quarterbacks.

This connection to the Manning family brings several important benefits to both Notre Dame and Ohio State, including:

1. Development of Quarterback Play

The Manning Passing Academy has produced some of the most skilled quarterbacks in college and professional football, and its influence on Hartman and McCord is evident in their development. Both players have been exposed to elite coaching, which has refined their skills and prepared them for the demands of college football.

2. Mentorship and Leadership

Peyton and Eli Manning are known for their leadership qualities, and both Hartman and McCord have had the opportunity to learn from these two quarterbacks. Leadership is a crucial element for any quarterback, and both players have benefitted from the Mannings’ ability to handle pressure and remain composed in high-stakes situations.

3. Increased Visibility and Legacy

The Manning family’s involvement in the careers of Hartman and McCord has also brought increased visibility to both Notre Dame and Ohio State football programs. With the Mannings’ reputation in the football world, the connection to these programs only strengthens their prestige and reputation.

4. NFL Prospects

Lastly, the Manning family’s direct involvement with Hartman and McCord has likely increased their visibility as NFL prospects. Both players are already considered top-tier quarterbacks, and the connection to the Mannings adds another layer of intrigue for NFL scouts and analysts. Whether it’s through Peyton’s guidance or the Manning family’s legacy, both Hartman and McCord are well-positioned for a successful career at the next level.