Paul Finebaum addresses Arch Manning hype: 'If he doesn't perform, the critics will rain down'

Arch Manning is officially the unquestioned starting quarterback at Texas after multiple seasons of hype behind his arrival. However, that means he’ll have more pressure on him than anyone in the sport in 2025, according to Paul Finebaum.

The ESPN analyst joined Get Up on Friday, where he revealed his stance that Manning will be the player in all of college football under the most pressure this coming season. He believes if the young quarterback doesn’t get off to a solid start in 2025, the critics will rip him to shreds immediately.

“He’s the greatest player in the history of college football, and that is Arch Manning. I mean, I don’t know what else we can say about him, but we’ll keep saying it,” Finebaum stated, with a tinge of sarcasm. “Unfortunately, that comes with pressure. Everyone will be watching him against Ohio State on that first Saturday. If he doesn’t perform, the critics will rain down.”

Last season, Manning showed off some serious skill, as he started two games while Quinn Ewers was out with an injury. In the two starts, Manning completed 41-of-his-60 pass attempts for 583 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. He also recorded 29 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Of course, it’s worth noting Manning’s two starts were against UL-Monroe and Mississippi State. The former five-star prospect never had a full game against top competition to show what he’s capable of.

With an aforementioned Week 1 showdown against Ohio State this year, Manning will immediately be put to the test. Finebaum’s colleague in Harry Douglas added that he agrees with Finebaum, thinking the Texas quarterback needs to show the college football world what he’s capable of, and quickly.

“Normally, I do not agree with Paul Finebaum, but I definitely agree with him with this take,” Douglas responded. “Part of the reason is because Paul actually said that he’s the best thing since Tim Tebow. Paul forgot about Cam Newton. Paul, you forgot about Joe Burrow as well. But (Arch) has an extreme amount of pressure on him.

“You talk about a guy that plays at a prestigious university. Also, you look at the supporting cast that he has — a lot of people are expecting them to play for the national championship, and for Arch Manning to be up for a Heisman Trophy.”

Time will tell if Arch Manning can reach all of his goals in 2025. But when it comes to pressure? Paul Finebaum and Harry Douglas are right, there’s no one under more than the Texas quarterback at this point in time.