Paul Finebaum has finally admitted what many have been thinking about Arch Manning’s first few games at Texas: people have every right to be frustrated.
On First Take, Finebaum said he does not have a problem with the boos that greeted Manning from Longhorn fans. He said, “Arch Manning is getting paid money. He is. He is out there like everybody else. And I support fans who spend a lot of money and a lot of their time. Sometimes they save up all year so they can go to a Texas, Alabama, or Georgia game. And by the way, why wouldn’t you boo Arch Manning the way he has been playing?”
Finebaum noted that just weeks ago, people were embracing Manning. He said the change in fan mood is real. He said fans “were embracing him like I was, but they are frustrated.” He called Manning “no better or no worse than any other player who wears that burnt orange.” He also called Manning “the so‑called chosen one who I put up on a pedestal” and said that seeing fans express disappointment was somehow refreshing given the buildup.
Finebaum’s turn signals shift from hype to accountability. Preseason expectations for Manning were sky high. Media comparisons to past greats, legacy conversations, and high financial investment—all added weight. Poor performances do not erase potential. But when performance falls short week after week, the spotlight becomes more intense. For coaches, players, and analysts, that is always part of the job.
The Texas Longhorns are set to take on Florida this weekend, followed by Oklahoma next week and then travel to Kentucky for a road game. The Wildcats are 2-2 on the season and you can find Kentucky football odds here.
Manning himself has admitted that his play must improve. He has faced criticism and boos. He has stumbled with accuracy, thrown interceptions, and failed to find consistency in his throwing motion. Fans expect more. The media expected more. And Finebaum is now openly validating that expectation gap.
Arch Manning has driven viewership, conversation, and expectations, but viewership and expectations only remain meaningful when they match performance. At this moment, Finebaum is no longer defending hype. He is pointing out where hype has failed.
