Paul Finebaum stepped into a firestorm when he declared his unwavering faith in Arch Manning on ESPN’s “Get Up.” The veteran analyst praised the Texas quarterback, going all-in with a prediction that has college football fans calling him everything from a “Manning boot-licker” to worse.
With the Longhorns set to face the reigning national champions in their season opener, Finebaum’s bold stance has sparked a heated debate about whether Manning’s famous last name is clouding judgment.
Why Is Paul Finebaum So Confident in Texas QB Arch Manning Against Ohio State?
Paul Finebaum appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” program to discuss Arch Manning and what he has at stake in 2025. Finebaum wasn’t afraid to point out Manning’s last name, but also discussed how that won’t matter in a few weeks when the lights shine the brightest.
Manning put on a show in his first few starts in 2024, but he has a ton of room to grow. In 2025, it’s up to Manning to get Texas back to the College Football Playoff.
With Texas opening its season at Ohio State on Saturday, August 30, there will be no other test quite like it. The Buckeyes are the reigning National Champions, doing so as the No. 8 seed in 2024.
In the first year of the expanded playoffs, Ohio State took down Texas in the semifinal. Manning had a brief appearance in that game — one carry for eight yards.
Paul Finebaum: “I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback… the experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark’s system is what’s going to get them over the top and probably — well, not probably —… pic.twitter.com/AcJkJNkIH5
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 11, 2025
“I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback,” Finebaum said.
“I like everything about him. The Manning name matters, but it’s not going to matter on the field in a couple of weeks at Ohio State. The experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark’s system is what’s going to get them over the top and probably, well, not probably, definitely beat Ohio State in the opener.”
How Did College Football Fans React to Finebaum’s Comments?
The fact that Finebaum even had to bring up the Manning name proves that it matters, as fans were quick to jump on him for his comments.
One said, “The kiss of death from the Manning boot-licker. The Buckeyes LOVE being doubted, especially when playing in The Shoe!” Unsurprisingly, that individual is an Ohio State fan.
The kiss of death from the Manning boot-licker. The Buckeyes LOVE being doubted, especially when playing in The Shoe! 🏈🏟️
— 🇺🇸 Scarlet 🇺🇸 (@ScarletOGray) July 12, 2025
Another added, “If Manning’s last name was Fanning or he played at Penn State, he’d be just another guy to Finebaum.” A Michigan fan threw their opinion in the mix, “I think the only way we can guarantee Arch and Texas will win at OSU in Week 1 is if they come out in Maize and Blue Winged Helmets.”
This individual had no issue going after Finebaum, “Paul your [sic] a real piece of work you really are you were all high praise for OSU after national title I’m still trying to figure how you got your job your nothing but a wanna be…FOOL.”
Manning’s four-touchdown performance against UTSA with just nine completions was noteworthy. He only threw two interceptions in the three games where he had the most playing time, both of those coming against Louisiana-Monroe.
Manning was a bit overzealous in that start, as he’ll need to lock in if the Longhorns have any shot of taking down the reigning National Champions.
