Barry Manning is a linebacker for Eastern Michigan who hails from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and attended Tucker High School, where he was a two-time letterwinner and team captain. He recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions on defense while catching 45 passes for 782 yards and five touchdowns as a prep player. Manning redshirted in 2022 before seeing action in eight games in 2023, posting 10 total tackles. He appeared in nine games with four starts in 2024, accumulating 27 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. In 2025, Manning played in all 12 games with 10 starts, leading the defense with 73 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. He was selected to wear 'The Zero' jersey following the Bowling Green game, marking his second career honor.