Arch Manning’s massive hype ended up making him a top Heisman Trophy candidate and potential No.1 Draft pick before ever starting a college football game in his career.
Paul Finebaum was among the Texas star’s biggest cheerleaders, comparing him to Florida Gators legend Tim Tebow, who is considered one of the best college football players of all time, and even predicting the Longhorns quarterback to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks we’ve seen in a decade.
After all the hype, it was already difficult for Manning to match everybody’s expectations, and it didn’t help that his first college start was against the defending champs, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Manning was seen struggling during the game that ended up in a disappointing 14-7 loss. However, his performance in the second game made up for it, as Texas won 38-7 against SJSU. Manning completed 19 of his 30 passes for 295 yards and had four touchdowns and a single interception.
Talking about Manning’s rough start, Finebaum said on the ESPN College Football show:
“I believe it’s going to be a while until we forget about what happened in week one. And I don’t even know if that’s fair. Well, whether it is or not, you you can’t forget that until he does it. He undoes it. And he has to undo it on the road in the SEC. And if he does, then then he can start working his way back.” (2:26)
“I mean right now I what what I got out of it and I’m not trying to sound like goody two shoes here but it was fun to see him happy, exhaling, celebrating. I mean that is ultimately what this is about in theory. But, he had a rough week, he survived it. That’s all that matters,” he added.
Steve Sarkisian Brushes Off Arch Manning Injury Rumors
Steve Sarkisian spoke to the media during his weekly press conference about a viral video of Arch Manning that’s going viral where he is seen making a face that’s suggesting he is in pain as soon as he throws the ball.
When asked about the explanation behind Manning’s expressions, Sarkisian bluntly asked the reporter if the Longhorns quarterback told him he’s been experiencing pain.
“I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any you guys when you’re using the bathroom, so I don’t know what faces you make when you do it,” Sarkisian said.
NEW: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian shuts down Arch Manning injury rumors:
“He doesn’t have any… I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”
(via @TexasLonghorns)… pic.twitter.com/XGOIO7jNvs
— On3 (@On3sports) September 8, 2025
Texas will be facing UTEP on Sept. 13 at the DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas.
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