ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum declared Texas quarterback Arch Manning a potential Heisman Trophy finalist as he enters his first full season as starter. The prediction came during Tuesday\'s appearance on Get Up, where Finebaum compared Manning to Tim Tebow.
Finebaum made the bold proclamation while discussing Manning\'s prospects for the 2025 season. He suggested Manning could compete for both the SEC championship and national title under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
\"The absolute roof,\" Finebaum said. \"I think there\'s a reasonably good chance that Arch Manning will be sitting on the front of New York at the Heisman ceremony. That\'s assuming that his team does what it\'s supposed to do and compete for not only the SEC but for the national championship. I really believe they will.\"
Manning\'s Limited College Experience
Manning enters his third season at Texas with minimal starting experience. The five-star recruit from the Class of 2023 completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns in limited action.
Most of Manning\'s playing time came in relief of Quinn Ewers during injuries or garbage time situations. He made two starts and added 108 rushing yards with four touchdowns on the ground.
Comparison to College Legends
Finebaum drew comparisons between Manning and former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. The ESPN pundit called Manning \"the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006.\"
The analyst also criticized Sarkisian\'s decision to stick with the injured Ewers in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Ohio State. Finebaum suggested Manning could have changed the outcome and led Texas to the national championship game against Notre Dame.
Manning faces immediate pressure with Texas opening the season at Ohio State in Columbus.
Via On3.com
