Marshall Manning to Begin High School Football as Backup QB

Marshall Manning, the 15-year-old son of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, will begin his high school football career as a backup quarterback for the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Head coach Erik Kimrey confirmed the decision this week, stating that the highly regarded freshman will serve as the second-string quarterback for the defending state champions during the upcoming 2026 season.

Kimrey addressed the quarterback situation on a podcast, saying the team is excited about Marshall’s potential while noting he will be a freshman. The starting role will be held by Keegan Croucher, a four-star recruit committed to play for Ole Miss in 2027. Croucher is ranked among the nation’s top quarterback prospects in his class, providing experienced competition for the young Manning.

The decision, while notable given the Manning family’s storied football legacy, is not uncommon for a true freshman entering one of Tennessee’s elite programs. Peyton Manning himself did not start as a freshman at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, beginning his high school career as a third-string quarterback. Other family members, including his uncle Eli and cousin Arch, did...