Another Manning quarterback has taken his first official regular-season varsity snaps.
Marshall Manning, the 15-year-old freshman son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, entered Baylor School’s Aug. 20 season opener against Brentwood Academy during the second quarter. The nationally televised game on ESPN2 marked his first varsity appearance in an official game after he had previously seen action in a preseason scrimmage.
Wearing No. 16, the same number his father wore at Tennessee, Marshall completed an eight-yard pass to junior receiver Antwaun Adams for a first down on his first snap, according to PEOPLE.
Baylor planned the appearance before the game, and head coach Erik Kimrey has since made clear that he wants Manning to keep receiving varsity experience throughout his freshman season.
Marshall Completed a First-Down Pass on His First Official Varsity Snap
Manning entered midway through the second quarter behind Croucher, a four-star quarterback committed to Ole Miss. On his first play, Manning rolled to his right and connected with Adams on an out route for eight yards and a first down. The Tennessean reported that he then handed off to Georges before leaving the field.
The appearance came against a familiar opponent. Baylor defeated Brentwood Academy 28-24 in the 2025 TSSAA Division II-AAA championship game, completing a 12-0 season. Their Aug. 20 rematch ended with another Baylor victory, this time 38-20.
Marshall had dressed for varsity games as an eighth grader during the 2025 season without getting into a game. His two snaps against Brentwood therefore represented his first official varsity game action.
The Two-Play Appearance Was Part of Baylor’s Plan
Croucher remains Baylor’s starting quarterback, and Manning’s brief appearance was designed to give the freshman meaningful experience. Croucher confirmed after the game that the staff had planned for Manning to enter during the second quarter.
The senior also praised the younger quarterback’s development, telling reporters, “The kid’s gonna be a beast.” He said the two have built a strong working relationship in practice, with each holding the other accountable despite the difference in age and experience.
Kimrey Wants Manning to Get on the Field in Every Game
The coach does not intend for the Brentwood appearance to be an isolated cameo. A to Z Sports reported that Kimrey told reporters, “I want Marshall to play in every game this year.”
Kimrey said even another two-play appearance could serve a purpose, although he hopes some games provide Manning with more work. His reasoning is focused on 2027. Baylor expects to need Manning after Croucher’s graduation, so the coaching staff wants him gaining varsity experience now.
Manning Had Already Taken High School Reps Before the Opener
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The Aug. 20 game was Manning’s official varsity debut, but it was not literally his first time taking high school snaps. On Aug. 7, he played during Baylor’s preseason scrimmage against defending national champion Buford High School of Georgia. MaxPreps reported that Manning entered with the varsity offense during the second quarter and later received additional work with the junior varsity group.
Manning had already attracted attention months earlier. An April training video showed him working through quarterback drills, throwing while moving outside the pocket and displaying the mechanics that inevitably drew comparisons with his famous football family.
Baylor’s Biggest Performance Came From David Gabriel Georges
While Manning’s two snaps generated national attention, the opener itself belonged largely to Georges. The five-star running back and Tennessee commit produced 243 yards from scrimmage in Baylor’s 38-20 victory, according to MaxPreps, rushing for 173 yards and adding 70 as a receiver.
Georges scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter as Baylor pulled away from a 17-13 lead. His performance gave Manning a useful glimpse of the offense he is being developed to eventually lead, while allowing Baylor to bring its freshman quarterback along gradually behind an experienced senior.