EJ Manuel Defends Arch Manning, Blasts Florida Gators Legend for Harsh Criticism After Texas Spring Game Performance Goes Viral
Former Florida State and NFL quarterback EJ Manuel made headlines recently for passionately defending Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, following public criticism from a former Florida Gators legend. The exchange set off a spirited debate in the college football world, not just about Manning’s talent but also about the line between critique and unnecessary pressure on young athletes.
The situation began following Arch Manning’s strong showing in Texas’ annual spring game. Manning, the highly touted recruit from the legendary Manning quarterback lineage, looked poised, confident, and explosive during the exhibition, throwing several deep balls and showing the kind of athleticism that had recruiters buzzing back in high school. Though the game didn’t carry regular season stakes, Manning’s performance instantly trended across social media and rekindled discussions about his readiness to lead Texas into the SEC gauntlet.
However, not everyone was impressed.
A former Florida Gators star—whose name EJ Manuel declined to mention directly during his ESPN segment but was quickly identified by fans as former Heisman Trophy winner and Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel—took to social media to downplay Manning’s outing. He labeled the spring game “overhyped practice film” and said Manning had “a long way to go” before being SEC-ready. Wuerffel added that “family name won’t save him in Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa, or The Swamp,” referencing the upcoming SEC schedule Texas will now face.
EJ Manuel, who himself knows what it’s like to enter college football with high expectations as a former five-star recruit and FSU starter, took issue with the criticism.
“Let the kid breathe,” Manuel said during an appearance on the ACC Network. “Arch Manning isn’t asking to be treated like royalty—he’s just playing football. If he balls out in the spring game, give him credit. If he struggles in September, then critique that. But don’t trash a 19-year-old who hasn’t even had a full season as a starter yet. Especially not someone who’s supposed to be a legend and mentor to the next generation.”
Manuel’s words resonated throughout the college football community, especially among current and former players who understand the intense spotlight young quarterbacks face today. He went further, calling out the double standard in media and fan reactions depending on legacy and school affiliation.
“Let’s be real,” Manuel continued. “If Arch had thrown three picks, y’all would be calling him overrated and pampered. But now that he throws dimes and runs for 40 yards, it’s suddenly ‘just a practice’? That’s selective criticism, and it’s unfair.”
Wuerffel, known more for his humility and charitable work since retiring from the NFL than for hot takes, has not publicly responded to Manuel’s remarks. But the debate his comments triggered has not quieted down. Some fans and analysts agree with Wuerffel’s cautionary tone, insisting that Manning needs to prove himself in meaningful games before being crowned as the next star. Others, however, sided with Manuel, arguing that constant undermining of young talent—especially in the age of NIL, social media, and national scrutiny—is counterproductive.
Adding complexity to the discussion is the weight of the Manning name. As the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, Arch has been under the microscope since he was a high school freshman. Despite efforts from the family to shield him from early overexposure, the pressure has always been immense. His choice to commit to Texas rather than Alabama, Georgia, or Ole Miss drew its own set of critiques.
Now, with Quinn Ewers likely to start for the Longhorns this fall, Manning remains a backup—but the spring game may have changed the narrative around his timeline.
“Let’s not forget what this kid’s doing,” Manuel emphasized. “He didn’t run to the portal. He didn’t complain. He didn’t say he deserved the starting job. He just went out and balled. That’s maturity. That’s what you want in a quarterback.”
Coaches at Texas, including head coach Steve Sarkisian, have praised Manning’s progress behind the scenes. Sarkisian said after the spring game that Manning had “made a huge jump” in his decision-making, footwork, and leadership. “He’s putting it together,” Sarkisian told reporters. “People forget he’s still just scratching the surface.”
Manuel’s criticism of Wuerffel also brought up a broader point about how older generations of players relate to modern athletes. In his segment, Manuel noted that it’s easy for retired legends to “forget the pressures of being a young QB in 2025.” Between the transfer portal, NIL deals, and 24/7 coverage, today’s players navigate a minefield previous generations never faced.
“You’re not helping a kid by trying to ‘tough love’ him publicly on Twitter,” Manuel said. “If you’ve got advice for Arch Manning, you’ve got the connections—call him. But to try to humiliate him in front of millions? That’s not leadership. That’s ego.”
Plenty of players came to Manning’s defense, too. Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy tweeted, “Arch is gonna be just fine. Let the kid grow.” Others, like NFL veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, agreed that the spring game isn’t the end-all, but highlighted that “confidence comes from encouragement, not criticism.”
College football pundit Paul Finebaum weighed in on the debate as well, noting the generational divide. “EJ Manuel’s take is spot-on,” Finebaum said on his show. “This isn’t the 1990s. These kids are scrutinized from the moment they get their first offer. Arch Manning is in an almost no-win situation—if he plays well, it’s the Manning name. If he struggles, he’s a bust. And now we’re blaming him for hype he didn’t even ask for?”
Interestingly, this moment may signal a shift in how former players and media figures critique rising stars. The backlash to Wuerffel’s tone-deaf remarks—even if unintentionally harsh—could be a wake-up call. As Manuel noted, being constructive doesn’t mean being silent. It means using one’s platform wisely.
“Legends can inspire or discourage,” Manuel said in closing. “I hope more choose to uplift instead of tear down. Especially when it comes to young Black quarterbacks, who’ve already had to fight through stereotypes for years. Let Arch Manning write his own story, not be confined by yours.”
For Arch himself, the media noise seems secondary. He didn’t comment on the social media storm and has kept a low profile since the spring game. Teammates say he’s focused, locked in, and one of the hardest workers in the locker room. One offensive lineman anonymously told a Texas blog, “Arch don’t care about the haters. He just wants to win.”
Still, whether Manning starts this season or not, it’s clear he’ll be one of the most watched players in college football. And after EJ Manuel’s vocal support, it’s just as clear that he’ll have defenders willing to speak up when the criticism turns toxic.
College football has always been a passionate sport with intense opinions—but as Manuel reminded everyone, it’s also about development, leadership, and perspective. Critiquing a performance is one thing; tearing down a teenager trying to earn his place is another. And for Arch Manning, that difference might just shape how his journey is remembered.
In the end, maybe it’s not about who’s right or wrong in this debate. Maybe it’s about how the sport moves forward, evolving not just in playbooks and formations, but in how it treats the next generation of stars. If college football wants to keep growing, voices like EJ Manuel’s may be more necessary than ever.
