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Paul Finebaum Announces Prediction For Texas vs. Ohio State Season Opener

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 12:07 PM ET

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum isn't waiting until Aug. 30 to reveal his prediction for Ohio State's season opener against Texas.

Both Ohio State and Texas will enter the 2025 season as national title contenders. There's plenty of hype surrounding the Longhorns due to their quarterback situation. After years of waiting, the Arch Manning era has finally arrived.

During an episode of ESPN's "Get Up" last week, Finebaum referred to Manning as the best college quarterback since Tim Tebow in 2006. Fans thought it was incredibly high praise for a player who hasn't even started a full season. Finebaum, however, refused to back down from that take.

"I think there’s a reasonably good chance that Arch Manning will be sitting in the front row in New York at the Heisman ceremony," Finebaum said earlier this month. "That’s assuming that his team does what it’s supposed to do and compete for not only the SEC but for the national championship, and I really believe they will."

A little over a week later, Finebaum doubled down on his love for Manning.

On the July 11 episode of "Get Up," Finebaum said he's "married" to the idea that Manning will be a great quarterback for the Longhorns.

Finebaum also said Manning will "definitely" lead Texas to a win over Ohio State during its season opener.

"I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback... the experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark's system is what's going to get them over the top and probably — well, not probably — definitely beat Ohio State in the opener," Finebaum said.

Manning started a few games for Texas last season during Quinn Ewers' absence, completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had 108 yards and four scores on the ground.

Could Manning lead Texas to a win over Ohio State? Absolutely, but he hasn't exactly proven he's an elite playmaker at the collegiate level.

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

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