During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” college football analyst Paul Finebaum delivered a scathing critique of former Auburn and Florida quarterback Cam Newton, labeling him “the worst guy he has ever dealt with.”
While defending his claim that Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the best college prospect since Tim Tebow, Finebaum dismissed Newton’s legacy entirely.
The critique stems from pushback from ESPN’s Kevin Clark, who reminded viewers that Newton, a future Heisman winner and national champion, once backed up Tebow on Florida’s 2008 roster.
Paul Finebaum Defends Arch Manning Comparison While Attacking Cam Newton’s Character
Finebaum reignited debate this week during his appearance on ESPN’s First Take, defending his bold statement that Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the most promising college quarterback since Tim Tebow.
In response, Clark noted that Tebow may not have even been the most talented quarterback on Florida’s 2008 roster, citing Newton, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy and a national title at Auburn in 2010.
Finebaum, however, dismissed any notion that Newton was a superior college quarterback to Tebow. He claimed he spoke with Urban Meyer, who coached both players at Florida, and shared a harsh assessment:
“He told me that Cam Newton is the worst guy he has ever dealt with in his college career. Now, that’s saying a great deal considering some of the 30-for-30s that have been done on a few of his other players.”
Paul Finebaum doesn’t seem to be a fan of Cam Newton. pic.twitter.com/HxDH27Z4YL
— Grant (@NMDgrant) July 2, 2025
Finebaum didn’t stop there. He recalled Newton’s dismissal from Florida, subsequent transfer to Blinn College, and criticized his actions in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.
“Gene Chizik told me he asked Cam Newton to take a knee on the final play. Newton tried to play Superman, dove over the pile, failed, and nearly fumbled. They had to kick a field goal to win,” Finebaum said. “Cam Newton was selfish. Tim Tebow was the consummate team player.”
Newton’s departure from Florida followed his arrest for allegedly stealing a laptop and academic issues. Yet, Finebaum’s criticism comes despite the known issues under Meyer’s Florida program, including former tight end Aaron Hernandez’s later conviction for murder.
Newton Responds with Advice for Manning’s Development
Meanwhile, Newton addressed the conversation on his “4th&1 with Cam Newton” podcast. Reflecting on his early college years behind Tebow, Newton said, “After three years, you can put yourself in a position to go to the league. That doesn’t mean that I’m going somewhere where I can play early or start. Just because you’re starting doesn’t mean you’re getting developed.”
He compared that experience to Manning’s path, stating, “Arch Manning would be a fool if he has not learned anything from Quinn Ewers, how he prepared, how he led his team, and just how he handled and managed the expectations for being a quarterback at a university like Texas.”
As Texas prepares to face Ohio State in Week 1, Manning enters the spotlight. So far in 2024, Manning has thrown for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions with a QBR of 87.5, completing 67.8% of his passes.
These numbers reflect his limited playing time as the backup to Ewers, but demonstrate his efficiency when given opportunities.
The debate over Manning’s potential highlights the ongoing discussion about quarterback development in college football.
While Newton’s path from backup to Heisman winner shows that early playing time isn’t always necessary for success, Manning’s situation at Texas offers a different model for development under one of college football’s most successful programs.
