Paul Finebaum outlines what would make Arch Manning successful in 2025

Coming into college with the Texas Longhorns, expectations were immense for Arch Manning. Now, going into his junior season and his first full season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns, excitement is bubbling over.

As SEC Media Days are underway, Paul Finebaum appeared on Get Up. There, in the wake of Manning’s time speaking to the media, he outlined what a successful 2025 season is actually going to look like.

“I don’t think he has to be on the front row at New York (for the Heisman Trophy ceremony),” Finebaum said. “He has to lead his team and be effective, and not look like he has not started very many games or any for that matter.”

Manning had some playing time to flash the potential that he’s always been known for in 2024. That included briefly coming in for Quinn Ewers against Georgia. It also included starting multiple games, including an SEC game against Mississippi State, when Ewers went down. He would complete 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns to two interceptions. He also rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns.

In the past, Finebaum has been one of the analysts putting the highest standards on Manning. He recently said, “Arch Manning is the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006.” So, Finebaum does expect great things. However, to be successful at Texas, he doesn’t need to be at quite that level. He just needs to help them win.

“They have such a great team,” Finebaum said. “Steve Sarkisian told me yesterday that it’s the best roster he’s had. They’re deep. They have talent. If Arch Manning, not so much being a game manager, but just is effective and good, he doesn’t have to be Superman for this team to win the national championship.”

Manning is going to be tested immediately in 2025. The Longhorns start with a road game against Ohio State, the defending national champion. Win there, and Manning will have been able to make a massive statement.

Arch Manning responds to 2026 NFL Draft rumors

Despite the 2025 season only being Arch Manning’s first as the full-time starting quarterback, he’s already being rumored as a potential NFL Draft pick. Despite that, he’s doing his best not to worry about entering the draft just yet.

“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

Manning has made it through SEC Media Days. Now, it’s time to turn his attention to that regular season opener less than two months away.