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ESPN Analyst Shuts Down 'Insane' Arch Manning Narrative

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 2:53 PM ET

Whenever your last name is Manning and your uncles are Peyton and Eli people are going to be excited about watching you play quarterback.

And while expectations are high for Arch Manning in his first year as a starter this season, one ESPN analyst believes the projections for the Longhorns QB's success are way out of line.

On "College Football Live" Jordan Rodgers, who knows what its like to quarterback with a famous last name, said he's not buying the draft hype surrounding Arch at the next level.

"But let's address the elephant in the room," Rodgers said. "I have Arch Manning at fifth in the SEC when it comes to quarterbacks, when a lot of the media and a lot of the landscape of college football is talking about him being a top 10 or a No. 1 overall draft pick next year. I think that is insane."

"And I love Arch," the SEC Network host continued. "The reason I love him is because I think he's got a really high floor. You know what you got with him, he's mechanically sound, he's accurate, he's cerebral. When there's a clean pocket and he's got to work through reads, there's not many that are better at getting the ball where it's supposed to go."

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; SEC Nation Jordan Rodgers speaks on the sideline during pre-game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Some have argued that Manning is the best QB to enter the sport since Tim Tebow, but Rodgers says he simply can't go that far.

"The question I have is the limitations of his talent and where that puts his ceiling," Rodgers explained. "Because I think Quinn Ewers, from an arm talent perspective, much more talented. ... The good thing? His floor is really high. He's gonna be solid no matter what. But I have him at five."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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