‘The hype is warranted’ – Arch Manning has the SEC media wrapped around his finger ahead of what should be a breakout season
In a new series on SEC Network, analysts from ESPN, The Athletic, and elsewhere give their take on some of the most pressing questions in college football. In the latest edition of the show, “SEC Inside: Looking for Answers” is asking the polarizing question which is on just about everyone’s mind ahead of August 30:“Can […]
In a new series on SEC Network, analysts from ESPN, The Athletic, and elsewhere give their take on some of the most pressing questions in college football. In the latest edition of the show, “SEC Inside: Looking for Answers” is asking the polarizing question which is on just about everyone’s mind ahead of August 30:
“Can Manning play?”
The Manning in question obviously is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. In year one of being the guy in Austin, everyone is prognosticating on whether or not Steve Sarkisian’s program can make it three-straight trips to the College Football Playoff or the most-hyped recruit all-time is overrated.
SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum might be the most bullish on Arch Manning.
In a teaser video for the new series, Finebaum calls Manning “the most dynamic quarterback we have seen, perhaps, in a generation”. And this is maybe the fourth or fifth time the radio and television host has doubled, tripled, quadrupled down on what he thinks about Arch.
Finebaum has been quoted – saying Manning’s ceiling is “through the absolute roof” and touted him as “the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006.”
In fact, Finebaum has called Manning the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich is also a huge fan because of the lineage.
“His last name would suggest he can play very well given his athleticism, speed, physical component he brings,” Dinich said.
Despite only playing sparingly in his first two years on campus, Manning has seemingly done enough to earn this hype. He threw for 939 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, but folks are still very high on him.
A lot of could have to do with his position on the preseason No. 1 team in the country and who is his head coach is. Sarkisian has gotten Texas back to the forefront of college football, turned Quinn Ewers into a Big 12 champion and CFP mainstay. The offense is something which lends many to believe Manning will thrive given the opportunity to play in an offense catered to his skill set.
SEC Network’s Peter Burns agrees – saying “simply for the fact he’s going to be in Sark’s offense…kid is ready for the moment”.
Former Alabama and NFL player Roman Harper also points to the family name.
“I haven’t met one yet who cant play,” Harper said. “From the grandfather Archie and Eli and Peyton the whole the answer is yes.”
Another former SEC player and NFL veteran, Ben Watson, feels like Arch is more than capable of not only meeting the expectations, but exceeding them. He had an opportunity to see him in high school before the hype reached epic levels.
“I lived in New Orleans, he was at Newman High School, the hype around him is warranted.”
The hosts of Marty & McGee are also all in on Arch Madness.
Ryan McGee also points to the family history saying “there’s no way he can’t play because everyone in that family has always been able to play.” His co-host, Marty Smith, took it a few leaps further – insinuating he can take the Longhorns back to the mountaintop.
“Arch Manning is a national championship talent.”
