Glen Powell’s latest role might be his most unusual yet. The Top Gun: Maverick star will portray Russ Holliday, a disgraced college quarterback who adopts the persona of “Chad Powers” to revive his football career in Omaha Productions’ upcoming Hulu series. The show, premiering September 30, 2025, transforms a 2022 viral sketch into what could become television’s most unconventional sports comedy.
The original Chad Powers concept emerged from Eli Manning’s ESPN+ series Eli’s Places, where the retired quarterback disguised himself with prosthetics and a wig to walk on at Penn State’s football tryouts. That three-minute segment garnered 17 million views and convinced both Manning brothers that the character deserved expanded treatment beyond a one-time gag.
Powell and Waldron Win the Development Pitch
When Ben Brown, who oversees scripted development for Omaha Productions, began evaluating pitches to develop Chad Powers into a series, Powell and writer Michael Waldron won the project by embracing its absurdist premise. “We were like, ‘OK, we’re going to Tootsie this thing. Let’s Mrs. Doubtfire it, and let’s see how far we can take this lie,'” Powell explained to The Hollywood Reporter.
Multiple Hollywood teams submitted conventional sports comedy approaches, but Powell and Waldron distinguished their proposal by treating the disguise element as a central narrative device rather than an incidental plot point.
Peyton Manning’s Hands-On Executive Producer Role
Peyton Manning, who serves as executive producer alongside Eli, demonstrated hands-on involvement throughout production. When observing Powell’s initial practice sequences, Manning provided specific quarterback coaching that few producers could offer. “They’re going to kill the show if the first snap he takes, his palms are flat. We cannot let up on this,” Manning noted, highlighting the technical precision required to maintain authenticity.
Powell calls Chad Powers “the hardest character I’ve ever played,” reflecting the dual challenge of mastering both comedic timing and authentic quarterback mechanics. The actor’s preparation extended beyond typical Hollywood training, requiring him to convincingly portray both a washed-up college star and his disguised alter ego competing for a roster spot.
Jamie Horowitz Brings Sports Television Expertise
Jamie Horowitz, who co-founded Omaha Productions with Manning in December 2020, brings extensive sports television experience to the project. His background creating debate-style programming at ESPN and Fox Sports provides crucial insight into authentic sports storytelling. “Peyton and I launched Omaha to tell uplifting and unifying stories,” Horowitz said in a recent interview. “Paul Rabil embodies all of that, and we’re thrilled to work with him and ESPN to share his stories of the rise of lacrosse and the people who should be celebrated.”
Disney Backs Omaha Productions’ Scripted Expansion
The series represents a significant milestone for Omaha Productions, marking the company’s first venture into scripted comedy after establishing itself through unscripted sports content like ManningCast and Netflix’s Quarterback. Craig Erwich, Disney Television Group president, emphasized that Chad Powers earned its place through creative merit rather than corporate synergy.
“It’s not here because of some contract—it’s here because they’ve created something really undeniable,” Erwich stated. The project originated from Omaha Productions’ first-look scripted deal with Disney’s 20th Television, signed earlier in 2025 as part of the company’s expansion beyond sports documentaries.
Powell’s collaboration with Omaha Productions extends beyond Chad Powers, with planned appearances on ManningCast and Eli’s Places scheduled for fall 2025.
Authentic Football Elements Drive Comedy
The production team’s commitment to football authenticity sets Chad Powers apart from typical sports comedies. NFL Films veterans Steve Menzel and Tim Rumpff, who helped stage the original ESPN+ sketch, contributed their expertise to maintain credibility throughout the series. Powell’s transformation required extensive prosthetic work to match the disguise that made Manning’s original prank so convincing.
The series follows Russ Holliday’s desperate attempt to rebuild his football career after personal scandals derail his professional prospects. By adopting the Chad Powers persona—complete with fake mustache and altered appearance—he infiltrates a struggling Southern football team hoping to prove his worth while hiding his true identity.
September Premiere and Industry Impact
Chad Powers reflects Hollywood’s growing appetite for sports-adjacent content that balances humor with genuine athletic insight. The project benefits from Omaha Productions’ established relationships within professional sports, providing access and authenticity that typical entertainment companies cannot match.
Powell described his partnership with the Manning brothers as “equal parts serious storytelling and joyful comedy,” highlighting the unique creative dynamic that Jamie Horowitz and Peyton Manning have cultivated since founding Omaha Productions. The collaboration represents both Powell’s sports fandom and the Mannings’ Hollywood ambitions converging around a shared creative vision.
The series premieres September 30, 2025, on Hulu, with the first two episodes available immediately followed by weekly releases. Early industry reactions suggest Chad Powers could establish a new template for athlete-driven scripted content, potentially influencing how other sports personalities approach entertainment ventures. Jamie Horowitz’s leadership in developing the project demonstrates how authentic sports storytelling can successfully transition into scripted formats while maintaining credibility.