Paul Finebaum takes Arch Manning expectations to the Tim Tebow level with multiple trophies up for grabs for Texas

The hype surrounding Texas quarterback Arch Manning is nearing unbelievable levels, some warranted, and some unjustified heading into the 2025 college football season. Once hyped up as one of the greatest high school quarterback recruits of all time, the expectations were set incredibly high well before Manning stepped foot in Austin, Texas.

Manning had to wait his turn for two seasons, serving as the main backup for Quinn Ewers for the Longhorns. When he has gotten limited opportunities, he has flashed the massive upside that once made him such a high-level recruit. In ten games in 2024, including two starts, Manning managed to throw for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, while throwing just two interceptions and rushing for another four scores.

With his talent, the family tree he comes from, and the ability to work with head coach Steve Sarkisian, it is very likely that Manning is going to become a tremendous player for Texas. If that happens, some of the hyperbolic takes could turn out to be prophetic. We are, however, putting the carriage before the horse a bit.

Paul Finebaum, who is a renowned sports journalist and radio personality, took those hyperbolic takes to a whole other level during a recent edition of Get Up. Finebaum didn't predict Manning to be very good. No, he predicted him to be a legend. 

"Arch Manning is the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebox."

There is a big difference between arguing the talent of a player, and anointing them as the "best" before they have any type of resume behind them. In the world of media, a player like Arch Manning being good is great for the sport, and more specifically, for those who cover it. Arch will always have his uncles Eli and Peyton Manning behind him, and that will create massive expectations.

The talent for the younger Manning is unquestionable. He has a very natural and gifted arm, and a lot more athleticism than both of his uncles had. If that potential is actualized, Manning has a chance to be special. He also has the type of talent to eventually be the first overall selection in either the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft.

For now, let's let him play. If Manning wins multiple championships for Texas, and becomes the best in college football for multiple seasons at his position, then maybe we can revisit this conversation. Declaring a player the best college quarterback without any sample size, or resume, is frankly irresponsible. 

It is also a slap in the face of quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Marcus Mariota, Lamar Jackson, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Cam Newton, Deshaun Watson, and all that each accomplished.