Paul Finebaum Drops Huge Endorsement on Texas Phenom Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 3:31 PM ET

College football analyst Paul Finebaum has ignited a firestorm of excitement among Texas Longhorns fans with a bold prediction about quarterback Arch Manning.

In a recent statement highlighted by Inside Texas on X, Finebaum declared , “I think he’s going to be the best quarterback at Texas since Colt McCoy.”

The endorsement, paired with an image of Manning in a burnt orange shirt gripping a football, has sent ripples through the college football community as the young star continues to rise.

Manning, a freshman sensation and scion of the legendary Manning family, has already shown flashes of brilliance. With 939 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and a stellar 87.5 QBR, his stats speak volumes.

His breakout performance against the UTSA Roadrunners—where he completed 9 of 12 passes, threw four touchdowns, and added a 67-yard rushing score—proved he’s ready for the spotlight.

Finebaum’s comparison to Colt McCoy, a Texas icon who led the Longhorns from 2006 to 2009 and ranks second all-time in FBS quarterback wins, sets a lofty benchmark for the young signal-caller.

However, the statement has sparked debate. Some fans on X argue that Finebaum overlooks Quinn Ewers, who guided Texas to a 33-10 record over the last three seasons, including a 2023 Big 12 title and back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals.

Despite the skepticism, Manning’s raw talent and pedigree suggest he could indeed redefine Texas football. As the Longhorns face tougher challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Manning to prove Finebaum right.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: