All Eyes on Arch Manning as NFL Draft Buzz Explodes After McAfee Hint and Finebaum’s Tim Tebow Comparison Stuns Fans

The world of college football can change in an instant, and right now, no name generates more attention, speculation, and expectation than Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. After months of anticipation, Manning has officially stepped into the starting role under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the noise surrounding his future is only growing louder.

In recent days, two of the sport’s biggest media voices have added fuel to the fire. Former NFL punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee made headlines when he casually let slip on The Pat McAfee Show that Manning could be eyeing the 2026 NFL Draft. While nothing has been confirmed by Manning or the Texas program, McAfee’s comment reignited debates across the football landscape, with many already projecting teams to “tank” in hopes of securing the No. 1 overall pick that year.

The conversation took another dramatic turn when renowned SEC insider and ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum joined Get Up, delivering one of the boldest declarations of his career. Finebaum labeled Arch Manning “the most anticipated and talented college quarterback since Tim Tebow,” igniting fierce discussions about whether the young Longhorn can live up to the impossible standard his last name, and his bloodline, demands.

Arch Manning’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. As the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has carried a level of hype that few athletes in the history of college football have faced. Despite being part of the most famous quarterbacking family in America, Manning has maintained a composed, measured approach to his development. But with McAfee’s NFL Draft remarks and Finebaum’s lofty comparisons, it’s clear the media spotlight is only going to intensify.

Looking at Manning’s on-field credentials, the early signs of greatness are certainly present. As a redshirt sophomore, Manning finished last season with a 67.8% completion rate, throwing for 939 yards and six touchdowns across limited action. While those numbers may not leap off the page in isolation, context matters. Manning played behind Quinn Ewers, one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country, and now, with Ewers off to the NFL, the Longhorns are officially Arch’s team.

The excitement around Manning is rooted not only in his pedigree but also his raw skill set. His arm strength has drawn rave reviews, including from his uncle Peyton, who recently praised Arch’s “elite arm talent, poise under pressure, and football moxie.” Those comments only amplified expectations, as fans wonder whether Manning can take Texas to the next level.

Finebaum certainly believes so. During his appearance on Get Up, the longtime SEC analyst didn’t mince words, stating: “Arch Manning is the best quarterback prospect we’ve seen in college football since Tim Tebow arrived at Florida. If Texas lives up to their potential in the SEC this year, Manning will be a Heisman finalist, mark my words.”

That statement sent shockwaves through both Longhorns nation and college football circles at large. Tebow, a two-time national champion and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, is still regarded as one of the most iconic players in the modern era. To suggest Manning is on that trajectory is no small compliment—and it comes with immense pressure.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Manning’s future has been the subject of NFL speculation. When he first committed to Texas, there were whispers that he intended to follow a traditional four-year development plan, refining his skills under Steve Sarkisian before making the leap to the professional level. But with McAfee’s recent comments, that plan suddenly seems more fluid.

McAfee, known for his unfiltered takes and inside connections, didn’t hold back. “There are teams already thinking about 2026 and what it might take to get Arch Manning,” he remarked. “We’re talking full-scale tank mode. Don’t be surprised if we see some teams trying to bottom out to grab that kid.”

The timing of this speculation is particularly noteworthy as Texas prepares for its first full season as an SEC member. The Longhorns’ transition into college football’s toughest conference adds another layer of intrigue to Manning’s storyline. If he can thrive against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, his draft stock—and national reputation—will only soar.

The Longhorns’ schedule certainly won’t make things easy. Texas faces a daunting slate of SEC opponents, with matchups against top-10 programs scattered throughout the season. But for a player like Manning, adversity could be the ultimate proving ground. It’s a trial by fire, and one that, according to many scouts and analysts, could reveal whether Manning is truly destined to be the next great quarterback in his family’s illustrious legacy.

Meanwhile, inside the Texas locker room, the focus remains on development and execution. Sarkisian, regarded as one of college football’s top quarterback mentors, has consistently praised Manning’s work ethic and attention to detail. “Arch is everything you want in a quarterback—smart, competitive, humble, and driven,” Sarkisian said earlier this spring. “The potential is obvious, but he’s putting in the work to turn that potential into production.”

It’s also worth noting that the Manning family is no stranger to navigating media frenzy and public expectations. Peyton and Eli both entered the NFL as highly-touted prospects, and both handled the scrutiny with grace, ultimately crafting Hall of Fame-worthy careers. Arch, by all accounts, has the same support system and mental toughness needed to manage the storm.

The bigger question, however, revolves around timing. Will Manning stay at Texas for the full four years, as originally speculated? Or will a breakout 2025 season, capped by potential SEC and national title contention, fast-track his NFL plans?

From a talent standpoint, NFL scouts are already watching closely. Manning’s combination of size, arm strength, and football IQ checks every box for a franchise quarterback. His mobility, often overshadowed by his passing ability, adds another dimension to his game, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

If Manning delivers on the field this season, especially under the SEC spotlight, the 2026 NFL Draft conversation could become unavoidable. For now, though, the young quarterback remains focused on the task at hand: leading the Texas Longhorns into a new era of success.

Fans, analysts, and media personalities alike will continue to debate Manning’s future, but one thing is certain—the spotlight isn’t going anywhere. Between Pat McAfee’s eye-opening remarks, Paul Finebaum’s Tim Tebow comparison, and the Manning family legacy looming large, Arch Manning enters the 2025 season as the most watched player in college football.

How he handles that pressure, and where his journey leads next, remains one of the most captivating storylines in sports. Whether it’s leading Texas to SEC glory, contending for the Heisman, or eventually taking his talents to the NFL, Arch Manning is poised to shape the next chapter of football history.