Paul Finebaum Defends Arch Manning Despite SEC Criticism

Paul Finebaum has become a central figure in the 2025 college football season narrative due to his outspoken support for Texas quarterback Arch Manning, whom he praises as potentially the best college quarterback since Tim Tebow. Despite Manning's limited collegiate experience with only two starts and moderate stats, Finebaum embraces the hype surrounding the young quarterback, emphasizing his potential and high ceiling. This enthusiastic stance has sparked a public feud with ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers, who criticizes the hype as excessive, ranking Manning only as the fifth-best SEC quarterback and questioning his readiness to dominate the conference. The debate highlights differing perspectives on Manning's talent and future prospects, with Rodgers pointing out Manning's lack of experience against top-tier competition, while Finebaum remains steadfast in his belief in Manning’s eventual ascendance. Finebaum’s long career and personality in college football media add weight to his opinions, and his penchant for provocative commentary continues to fuel discussions and media attention. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Manning to see if he lives up to the expectations set by Finebaum and others.