Some haven't bought in on Arch Manning just yet.
Former NFL Scout Shares Blunt Take on Arch Manning’s Preseason Hype originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Arch Manning hasn’t even taken a snap as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback in 2025, but the hype surrounding him is already at full throttle. From analysts to fans, expectations are sky-high for the former five-star recruit, and not everyone is convinced he's deserving.
Former NFL scout John Middlekauff weighed in on the growing buzz during a recent episode of his “3 And Out” podcast, delivering a blunt assessment of where things stand.
“We got takes flying everywhere about Arch Manning,” Middlekauff said. “I saw Jordan Rodgers, Aaron’s brother — they haven’t spoken in a decade — he says the hype train is just out of control. I kind of agree with him. Unless [Arch] answers the hype train and is like Andrew Luck immediately, I just don’t know how he lives up to it. If he is just like a solid NFL prospect this year, it’s going to feel very disappointing.”
Middlekauff isn’t the only one tapping the brakes. SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers also criticized the media frenzy, noting that the coverage surrounding Manning has begun to overshadow even some established college stars.
Still, major voices in the sport, like ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, continue to lean into the Manning buzz. Finebaum recently referred to Manning as one of the most anticipated players in the country and possibly the best college football quarterback since Tim Tebow.
For his part, Manning has remained composed amid the noise. At his family's Manning Passing Academy, he addressed the pressure and spotlight directly.
"I really don't pay much attention to anyone, what they think, besides my coaches, my parents and some close friends that will tell me the truth," the 21-year-old signal-caller said. "But, I'm not worried about what other people think. I'm just going to go out there and have fun. Play my game."
Whether or not he lives up to the outsized expectations remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: The Manning hype train has officially left the station, and not everyone’s thrilled to be on board.
Related: Peyton Manning Has Clear Advice for Arch Manning As He Gears Up To Lead Texas
Related: Steve Sarkisian Makes Feelings Clear About Arch Manning’s Future at Texas
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
