Arch Manning entered the season as the single most high-profile player in college football and the Heisman Trophy favorite. However, after three games, it’s already clear to one ESPN analyst that he won’t be winning college football’s most coveted individual award.
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum was one of Manning’s biggest supporters before the season started, going as far as to call him the best player college football had seen since Tim Tebow. But three games into the season, it sounds like even he has given up on Manning this season.
Arch Manning Preseason Hype
- Nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning
- Top-rated recruit in the 2023 high school recruiting class
- Preseason Heisman Trophy favorite
- Projected as No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Paul Finebaum Bought the Hype
During an appearance on the SEC Nation pregame show on the SEC Network ahead of the season-opening showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, Finebaum had some rather over-the-top praise for Manning.
“It is the biggest opening game I think we have ever had, and there are a lot of reasons for it,” Finebaum said on the show. “But the biggest reason is Arch Manning. I’ve said it; I’ll say it again. He is the best player we have seen from every aspect since Tim Tebow.”
Manning Has Lived Up to the Hype
Through the first three games of the season, Manning has not lived up to the hype, completing just 55.3 percent of his passes for 579 yards and 6 touchdowns with 3 interceptions.
Manning has been widely inaccurate at times, missing open receivers on routine passes and struggling with his throwing mechanics.
The quarterback’s most recent game against UTEP was particularly concerning as he completed just 11 of 25 passing attempts for 114 yards with one touchdown and an interception. During the game, he had a streak of 10 consecutive incompletions.
Finebaum Done With Manning
After Manning’s most recent struggles, Finebaum changed his tune a bit as he admitted that he jumped the gun a bit on his praise for the young quarterback. Now, Finebaum is taking it a bit further.
During a segment called “Paul in or Paul Out?” on SportsCenter this week, Finebaum made it clear that he is done with Manning – at least for the time being.
“Listen, I’m not bright but I’m not the stupidest person on the face of the earth,” Finebaum said via On3. “I’m out. Okay? Count me out. I gave it a shot. It blew up. I like Arch. He’s going to be a great player someday, maybe some year, but not this year. It’s over. Come on. You can’t look at three weeks and find a way for the front row in New York. So, nice knowing you, Arch. See you soon.”
Manning Vows to Improve
While Finebaum may have given up on Manning, the young quarterback is staying optimistic.
“I know the type of player that I am,” Manning said during his press conference this week. “I know I’m going to play better and we’re going to be better as an offense.”
Manning himself has been frustrated by his own performance, and he believes that he is more talented than he has shown on the field so far this season.
“It’s frustrating because I know I’m better than that,” Manning said of his struggles after the win over UTEP. “But you know, we’re going to be better this week and get clicking on offense. I’m excited to get going.”
