Arch Manning’s Place in Texas’ Playoff Plans Questioned After Finebaum’s Take
As one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks to ever enter the college football scene, Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas generated massive expectations not only from Longhorns fans but from college football fans across the nation. The legacy of the Manning family, which includes NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, cast a long shadow over Arch’s future and raised questions about how soon he would take over the Texas quarterback position. However, a recent take from ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has added a new layer of intrigue to the discussion. Finebaum’s remarks about Manning’s role in Texas’ playoff plans have raised questions about how the young quarterback fits into the team’s immediate future. With the college football playoff race heating up and Texas firmly in contention, these comments add a wrinkle to what has already been a season full of high expectations.
The Arch Manning Hype Train
Arch Manning’s arrival in Austin was met with unprecedented fanfare. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch was viewed as one of the most talented high school quarterbacks in recent memory. Playing at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Manning became the top recruit in the class of 2023. His combination of size, arm strength, football IQ, and lineage made him the most coveted quarterback recruit in years. With the weight of his family’s legacy on his shoulders, expectations for Arch were sky-high.
Upon committing to Texas, Manning was immediately thrust into the spotlight. He was seen as a potential savior for the Longhorns’ quarterback position, a program that had experienced a revolving door of quarterbacks in the years prior. With head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense built around a dynamic quarterback, the expectation was that Manning could be the long-term solution to lead Texas back to national prominence. Many assumed that the young freshman would immediately push for the starting role and possibly even be the key to Texas’ playoff hopes.
However, things have not unfolded in quite the way some anticipated.
The Current Quarterback Situation at Texas
Heading into the 2023 season, Texas was already in a strong position at the quarterback position. Junior Quinn Ewers, who started for the Longhorns in 2022, was coming off a solid season. Ewers had shown flashes of brilliance, and despite a few growing pains, many believed that he could be the player to lead Texas back into the College Football Playoff.
Ewers’ skill set—combined with his strong arm and ability to read defenses—made him the presumed starter heading into the season. Manning, on the other hand, entered as a highly touted freshman, but it was clear that he would need time to acclimate to the college game. This setup led to a natural hierarchy, with Ewers as the starter and Manning expected to develop under Sarkisian’s tutelage before potentially taking the reins in the future.
Despite the clear gap between Ewers and Manning in terms of experience, many fans and analysts still expected Manning to see playing time early in the season. With Texas aiming for a playoff berth, having a backup plan or a potential change at quarterback was always part of the conversation, particularly with a player as highly regarded as Manning on the roster.
However, the reality of Manning’s role in the 2023 season has been much more subdued. He has seen limited playing time, and it’s clear that the Texas coaching staff has been patient in allowing him to adjust to the speed of the college game. Ewers, for the most part, has been the focal point of the offense, and the Longhorns have been successful in that setup. This leads us to Finebaum’s comments, which added fuel to the ongoing debate.
Finebaum’s Take: A Question of Timing and Playoff Ambitions
Paul Finebaum, the respected ESPN analyst, has long been an outspoken voice in the college football community. His takes often generate headlines, and his recent comments about Arch Manning’s place in Texas’ playoff plans have done just that.
Finebaum questioned whether Manning was truly ready to take over at Texas in a season where playoff aspirations are on the line. He argued that Texas’ immediate playoff hopes may be better served by sticking with Ewers, given the team’s current position. Finebaum also suggested that Manning’s time would come eventually, but for now, it might be best to keep him on the sidelines and allow him to develop at his own pace.
“Texas has a real shot at the College Football Playoff, and I just don’t think this is the year for Arch Manning to take over,” Finebaum said. “Quinn Ewers has played well enough to give them a chance at the playoffs, and in a year like this, you need a quarterback who’s been through the battles. Manning’s time will come, but it’s not right now.”
Finebaum’s words struck a chord with many Longhorns fans, who had hoped that Manning would step in sooner rather than later. However, his analysis also raised an important point: the pressure of leading a team into the College Football Playoff is immense, and Texas might be better off sticking with the experienced Ewers rather than rushing Manning into a role that he may not be ready for.
The Long-Term View: Arch Manning’s Future at Texas
While Finebaum’s take focused on Texas’ immediate playoff aspirations, it’s important to consider the long-term view of Arch Manning’s career. Manning is still just a freshman, and despite the high expectations surrounding him, it’s important to remember that he’s still learning and growing as a quarterback. College football can be a brutal environment for young quarterbacks, and rushing a player into a starting role before they’re fully prepared can have long-term negative effects on their development.
The Longhorns have shown they are willing to take a patient approach with Manning, allowing him time to learn the offense and adjust to the college game. This approach mirrors what many successful programs have done with highly touted quarterbacks—giving them time to grow rather than throwing them into the fire too soon.
Texas also has the luxury of having a proven starting quarterback in Ewers. If the Longhorns’ playoff hopes are to remain alive, they need Ewers to continue playing at a high level. The focus for Texas should be on maximizing their chances to win now, and while Manning’s future is undoubtedly bright, the team’s best shot at a playoff run likely lies with Ewers at the helm in the short term.
What Does This Mean for Texas’ Playoff Hopes?
With Finebaum’s comments in mind, the conversation now turns to how Texas should approach the rest of the season. The Longhorns are in a competitive race for a College Football Playoff spot, and every game counts. Ewers has been steady and capable under center, and Texas will need him to continue producing if they are to secure a playoff spot.
Arch Manning, however, remains an incredibly valuable asset for the program’s future. While his role in Texas’ immediate playoff plans may be in question, it’s clear that the Longhorns are playing the long game with Manning. The pressure of being the heir apparent to the Manning dynasty is significant, but the most important thing for Arch is to develop at his own pace.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Arch Manning
Arch Manning’s future at Texas remains incredibly promising, even if his immediate impact has been limited. With a steady and talented quarterback like Ewers leading the team, the Longhorns are well-positioned for a potential playoff berth. However, as Paul Finebaum rightly pointed out, rushing Manning into a starting role this season might not be the best move for Texas’ playoff chances—or for Manning’s development.
Manning’s time will come, but for now, Texas must focus on winning with Ewers under center. The future is bright for both Texas and Manning, but the Longhorns are wise to focus on the present while giving their prized freshman time to grow. The best is yet to come for Arch Manning, and the next few years could see him lead Texas back to national prominence. For now, though, the Longhorns will remain focused on their playoff journey, with Ewers leading the charge.