Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has an opinion on Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, and it’s not the best.
Just like before last season began, Manning is being viewed by many as Heisman potential. After his first full-starting season for Texas last year, the quarterback is raring to prove his doubters wrong.
Unlike many analysts who rate the quarterback highly, Smith doesn’t even think Manning is the best quarterback in the SEC, let alone the entire FBS. Instead, Smith named one transfer quarterback with whom he was more impressed.
“He [Arch Manning] put entirely too much pressure on himself,” Smith said on First Take. “He was labeled a Heisman Trophy candidate by the one and only Paul Finebaum, the Mouth of the South, before the man threw a pass. OK, this is what they were talking about. So to me, it was a lot of pressure. I understand that.
“Nevertheless, to see transfer Trinidad Chambliss perform the way that he did for Ole Miss throughout the season last year while Lane Kiffin was there, and after he departed, and then ball the way he did on the big stage in the College Football Playoff, I don’t see how anybody can just put Arch Manning ahead of him. I’m sorry. I’m not doing it.”
Now, Smith acknowledged that Manning considerably improved himself over his last eight games, during which he went 7-1 and threw 20 touchdowns against just two interceptions. But the analyst believes the expectations were just too much for the Longhorns quarterback to handle.
Arch Manning’s Longhorns Get Title Expectations From Analysts
Among the many college football analysts, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum is probably the most optimistic about Steve Sarkisian’s Texas chances next season. With Arch Manning at the helm, Finebaum believes the bare minimum for the Longhorns is to reach the title game.
“You know the answer, Greeny (Mike Greenberg), it is yes,” Finebaum said on Monday via Get Up. “You don’t get to this point with one of the most celebrated players in modern college football history and lay an egg like Texas did last year. Remember, they lost that Ohio State game, and then they dropped the game to Florida a couple weeks later, which really knocked them out of the CFP. They lost to Georgia later on.”
Finebaum said to take a look at the Longhorns’ roster and the talent they possess, making it a no-brainer for him to call Texas the favorite.
“But they not only have Arch Manning, they have so many amazing players that they picked up in the portal. They have one of the best rosters, if not the best, in all of college football. Certainly the best in the SEC. They have to get to the title game,” Finebaum added.
For Manning as well, the 2026 season holds importance. He is expected to enter the 2027 draft, and how he performs this year will pretty much decide if he will be picked inside the first round.
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