Paul Finebaum, a prominent ESPN college football analyst, has sparked significant discussion with his bold prediction about Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. In a recent segment on his show, Finebaum echoed the sentiments of Cedric Golden from the Austin American-Statesman, who claimed that Manning could be the best Texas quarterback since Colt McCoy. This comparison places Manning in elite company, as McCoy is a Texas legend with a storied career, holding a 45-8 record as a starter and the program’s all-time passing leader with 13,253 yards. Finebaum’s endorsement amplifies the hype surrounding Manning as he steps into the starting role for the 2025 season, following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL.
Finebaum’s comments come at a pivotal moment for Texas football. Manning, a redshirt sophomore and former five-star recruit, is the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning. His pedigree, combined with his performances in limited action, has fueled expectations that he could lead Texas to its first national championship since 2005. In 2024, Manning appeared in 10 games, starting two, and threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding 104 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His standout performance against UTSA, where he threw for 223 yards and five total touchdowns, showcased his dual-threat ability and sparked Heisman Trophy buzz.
Finebaum has been vocal about Manning’s potential, even suggesting that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian should have played him over Ewers in critical moments, such as the Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State in 2024. “There is nothing finer than Arch Manning starting at Texas. It’s long overdue,” Finebaum stated, arguing that Manning could have altered the outcome of that game. This critique of Ewers, who threw for 3,472 yards but struggled in big games, reflects Finebaum’s belief that Manning’s dynamic skill set—highlighted by his athleticism and deep-ball accuracy—makes him a game-changer.
Colt McCoy himself has weighed in on Manning’s potential, offering advice rather than direct comparison. On the Clean Pocket podcast, McCoy urged Manning to “attack” the offseason, focusing on his strengths, such as mobility and deep passing, while learning from Ewers’ preparation. McCoy, who faced similar pressure as a successor to Vince Young, emphasized the importance of Manning finding his unique edge as a quarterback. This mentorship underscores the high expectations for Manning, who must navigate the weight of his family legacy and Texas’ storied football tradition.
However, not all are convinced of Manning’s immediate stardom. Analyst Murray on SiriusXM questioned whether Manning’s hype is justified, noting that he has yet to prove himself as a full-time starter. Despite this, Finebaum’s confidence in Manning’s ability to lead Texas to a national title and potentially win a Heisman Trophy reflects the growing sentiment that the Longhorns are entering a new era. As Manning prepares for 2025, the comparisons to McCoy and the expectations of greatness will only intensify, setting the stage for a defining season in
Austin.
