Top College Quarterbacks Shine and Compete at Manning Passing Academy as Prestigious Camp Sets Tone for Upcoming 2024 Football Season
The annual Manning Passing Academy has long been a summer staple in the world of college football, serving as both a developmental hub and a showcase for the sport’s premier quarterback talent. Last week, the 2024 edition of the prestigious camp wrapped up in Thibodaux, Louisiana, drawing some of the most recognizable names in the country to compete, teach, and learn under the watchful eyes of football royalty. Hosted by the Manning family—Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper—the camp has grown into a proving ground that regularly influences preseason narratives and NFL Draft projections alike.
This year’s lineup of collegiate quarterbacks was particularly star-studded. Some of the top returning starters in the FBS ranks made the trip south to Louisiana, many fresh off their own spring camps and voluntary workouts. They gathered not just to pass footballs and meet fans, but to fine-tune their craft in a pressure-free but highly competitive environment. For rising stars and proven veterans alike, the Manning Passing Academy offered a unique opportunity: to work with and learn from two generations of NFL quarterbacking excellence while also measuring themselves against their peers.
Among the most talked-about attendees was Quinn Ewers of Texas, who’s entering what could be a defining season in Austin. With a loaded receiving corps and SEC competition looming, Ewers used the MPA as a springboard into what many expect will be a Heisman-contending campaign. Observers noted his improved mechanics and quicker release, traits that could separate him as one of the more pro-ready quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Ewers was seen spending extended time working with Peyton Manning, focusing on footwork drills and off-platform throws—areas that scouts have cited as essential for his continued growth.
Also drawing attention was Carson Beck of Georgia, whose performance in 2023 silenced many of the doubters surrounding his ability to step into the shoes of Stetson Bennett. Beck arrived at MPA with a noticeably leaner frame and crisp delivery, reflecting the kind of offseason refinement that could elevate him into elite territory. Coaches and counselors on-site remarked on his quiet confidence and precision during live throwing sessions. Beck’s ability to hit tight windows against moving targets stood out in particular, reinforcing the idea that Georgia may have another NFL-bound signal-caller under center.
Another name that turned heads was Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss, a player whose dual-threat abilities have made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC. At the MPA, Dart showed a noticeably tighter spiral and better consistency on deep balls—signs that the offseason work he’s put in with his receiving corps is paying off. Known for his fearless playing style and willingness to take risks, Dart’s refinement at the camp suggests he could be poised to take a leap in Lane Kiffin’s high-octane offense.
While established names performed as expected, the Manning Passing Academy is often where rising stars break out—and this year was no different. One of the camp’s biggest surprises was Cam Ward, now at Miami after transferring from Washington State. Ward’s blend of arm talent and mobility earned high praise from camp observers, many of whom believe he could thrive in a new system under head coach Mario Cristobal. Ward was particularly impressive during red-zone and two-minute drills, where his poise and ability to throw on the run made him stand out even among bigger-name quarterbacks.
In addition to on-field work, the MPA also offers quarterbacks rare access to mental training and film study, with the Manning brothers hosting chalk talk sessions and open discussions. These moments, away from the cameras, are where many quarterbacks gain the most. Players routinely describe these sit-downs with Peyton and Eli as career-changing—opportunities to ask questions, dissect reads, and absorb the nuanced wisdom that comes from decades in the NFL.
Arch Manning, currently at Texas and still awaiting his first real shot at starting quarterback duties, also made an appearance—though more as a helper than a participant. Still, his presence sparked plenty of buzz, as fans and analysts alike continue to speculate about when the former five-star recruit might finally take over for Ewers. Manning was engaged, vocal, and heavily involved in drills, a sign that he’s continuing to mature behind the scenes as he prepares for his eventual moment in the spotlight.
Beyond quarterback development, the Manning Passing Academy remains an unparalleled environment for younger campers as well—high school quarterbacks from across the country attend to be coached by the collegiate counselors. These campers not only receive technical instruction but get the chance to witness how elite quarterbacks prepare, compete, and communicate. It’s a culture-building experience that has helped shape dozens of future stars over the years.
For the college quarterbacks in attendance, the camp isn’t about winning or statistics—it’s about sharpening the intangible skills that define elite play. Leadership, communication, and preparation are just as vital as arm strength and accuracy, and the Manning family emphasizes that throughout the weekend. Many players walk away with not just improved mechanics, but a clearer understanding of what it means to be a complete quarterback—both on and off the field.
The exposure doesn’t hurt either. NFL scouts have long paid attention to which players attend the MPA and how they perform. While it’s not an official evaluation event, the camp serves as an early look at who’s serious about their craft and ready to take the next step. Players who shine here often find themselves moving up draft boards come fall, as media and scouts revisit camp footage and buzz from trusted voices in the quarterback community.
What also makes the MPA unique is its blend of competition and camaraderie. There’s no animosity—just mutual respect and shared ambition. Quarterbacks compete, but they also lift each other up, trade insights, and build friendships that often last beyond college. In a sport where ego can easily run wild, the atmosphere at MPA is refreshingly grounded in mutual learning and growth.
As always, the camp closed with a final showcase, where quarterbacks participated in accuracy contests, off-platform throws, and live-scenario drills. Fans packed the stands to watch their favorite stars in action, and many left buzzing about the high level of talent on display. For some players, it was a validation of what they already believed about themselves. For others, it was the beginning of a journey toward greatness.
The 2024 Manning Passing Academy reaffirmed its place as the gold standard of quarterback camps. It delivered a mix of elite instruction, high-level competition, and behind-the-scenes development that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. For the quarterbacks who attended, it was a chance to grow, reset, and prepare for what promises to be one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.
As summer continues and fall camps approach, the lessons learned in Louisiana will follow these quarterbacks back to their campuses. Whether they’re Heisman contenders, under-the-radar transfers, or future first-round picks, each of them left Thibodaux better than they arrived. And as always, the football world will be watching to see which of them turns MPA momentum into Saturday stardom.
