Arch Manning’s name keeps hanging over every conversation about Texas, but Steve Sarkisian’s defense of his quarterback only opened the door wider for criticism. After Sarkisian suggested Manning wouldn’t be getting dragged as much if he carried a different last name, Paul Finebaum came out swinging on Wednesday’s episode of Get Up.
“That is complete hogwash, and Steve Sarkisian knows that… I mean, that’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard Sarkisian say,” Finebaum said. “I’m not even sure Arch Manning would be starting at Texas if his name was Joe Smith. He has played that poorly in spots.”
Finebaum had already been on Manning after Texas’ loss to Oklahoma, and his latest comments kept the focus squarely on the quarterback’s uneven play. Manning’s 2025 debut at The Shoe was rough, he labored through the first half of last season, and this year has brought more of the same mixed results. That uneven track record is what’s feeding the criticism now.
ESPN analyst Jordan Rogers also weighed in after Finebaum’s remarks, pointing out that the expectations around Manning are shaped by his last name, but not every concern can be dismissed as noise.
“There’s no doubt that the expectations that Arch are under are, in some ways, unfair… because of his last name,” Rogers said. “But when you just watch the tape, there’s inconsistencies with someone that everyone says is a first-round pick at quarterback… he’s a streaky player.”
Texas is hoping Manning catches fire in the second half of the 2026 campaign and helps drive a deep College Football Playoff run. A matchup with a vulnerable Florida Gators secondary could be the kind of setup that gets that going. The Longhorns and Gators kick off at noon E.T. on Saturday on ABC.
In Other News...
Florida Fans Just Got A New Reason To Worry About Arch Manning
Arch Manning has been a familiar name in Gainesville for a while, and not just because of the family tree. During a stretch when the Manning family was based nearby in New Orleans, Archie Manning arranged for his grandson to throw footballs at Tulanes stadium with coach Jon Sumralls permission, simply because it was an easy place for the family to work and stay loose. Sumrall, who has spent time at both Tulane and Florida, would occasionally watch those sessions and came away impressed by what he saw.
For Florida fans, the part worth noticing is that Manning is still the Texas quarterback and still looks like the kind of problem defenses dread solving. He is known as a dual-threat player, and Sumralls admiration only reinforces that he is more than a polished passer. When a quarterback can stress a defense with his arm and legs, every future matchup starts to look a little more complicated. [Read more 🡒]
Floridas Next Stretch Will Say Everything About Jon Sumralls First Season
Floridas start under Jon Sumrall looked like the sort of opening that can calm a restless fan base, but the mood around the program has shifted quickly after consecutive losses. Paul Finebaum has framed the Gators as one of the SECs biggest mysteries because the early promise has given way to uneven play, leaving the next stretch to serve as a real measure of where the first-year coach has this team headed.
Even with the setbacks, there is still reason to think the foundation could eventually be sturdier than the present record suggests. Finebaum has been confident Sumrall can improve the program over time, and Floridas recruiting momentum, including a commitment from a top 2027 wide receiver, adds another layer of intrigue to a class that already looks strong on paper. [Read more 🡒]
Florida May Be Headed For A Tough QB Call Before Texas
Florida heads into its matchup with No. 7 Texas with the quarterback situation still cloudy, as junior Aaron Philos status is uncertain because of an undisclosed injury. The uncertainty adds another layer to a game that was already going to demand clean execution, and it leaves the Gators with an important decision to monitor as the week moves on.
Jon Sumrall did not flag Philo as a player who might miss the game during his press conference, which at least suggests there is still time for the picture to clear up. On a more encouraging note for Florida, sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III has been practicing as he comes back from a knee injury and is considered likely to play, giving the offense at least one more piece trending in the right direction. [Read more 🡒]