It’s no secret that one of Arch Manning’s biggest supporters is Paul Finebaum. The veteran college football analyst and SEC insider is the main proponent of the narrative that Manning is the best quarterback in the SEC and the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Other analysts have considered this opinion an unprofessional one, considering the Texas quarterback has only started two games in his career so far.
Now, during the SEC media days, the 69-year-old analyst seemed flabbergasted when shaking the hand of the 21-year-old signal-caller. Finebaum even shared the moment on his X account and called the moment “the best handshake since Tim Tebow”.
Easily the best handshake since Tim Tebow… 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EU3eQ6rhPM
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) July 15, 2025
The fans weren’t forgiving.
“You’re such an ass kissing clown” Wrote one fan
“69 yearold man btw” pointed out someone else
“He’s 21 years old and has 2 passing touchdowns against FBS schools” stated another person
“You hit that “How are ya?” three octaves higher than your normal voice.” Joked one fan
“Paul slobbers on Arch….” Lamented another\
Others joked about Finebaum’s allegiances:
“I see Texas has replaced Alabama as your favorite.” Said one one person
Manning is the first person to be surprised by the fact that he’s considered the favorite for the Heisman. Speaking on Monday at the SEC media days, Manning told the press that he doesn’t understand how he can be a favorite for anything, having only played two full games in his career. He believes he has many things to prove this season, although he appreciates the support he is receiving.
Steve Sarkisian praises Arch Manning during SEC media days ahead of the 2025 season
During the SEC media days, Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian opened up to the media about the jitters that surrounded the decision to put Arch Manning in when the starting quarterback Quinn Ewers got injured against UTSA:
“It was a little bit of the perfect storm last year,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “The first time he got put into action — Quinn hurts his oblique, it was against UTSA — and he gets thrown right in. And I was like, ‘Screw it. We’re calling kind of a movement, let him let it rip.’ He throws a touchdown, bam. He plays the rest of that game as if he were a true backup getting put in.”
Manning went on to surprise everyone by scoring five touchdowns during the game. He ended the game with 223 passing yards, with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. On the ground, his contributions were equally exceptional, with 53 rushing yards and a touchdown in three carries.
Sarkisian also told the press that he feels like Arch Manning is ready for what’s ahead and that he’s doing the things that he needs to do.
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