Elite SEC QB Shares Unfiltered Thoughts on Arch Manning Amid Ongoing Debate

Elite SEC QB Shares Unfiltered Thoughts on Arch Manning Amid Ongoing Debate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

There's a good amount of debate surrounding Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning going into the 2025 season, in terms of how he compares against his peers and how he will perform.

One prime example of the disagreement is shown by analyst Jordan Rodgers claiming Manning will be the "fifth-best quarterback in the SEC," while Paul Finebaum said, he's the "best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006."

Of course, this kind of thing will have to be settled on the field, but on Monday, during the annual SEC Football Kickoff Media Days, LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier chimed in on what he thinks of Manning.

“He’s a really good player and I’ll definitely be rooting for him,” Nussmeier said. “You know, he’s waited his time, you know, kind of went through a similar experience that I did, having to wait for your opportunity. I think he’s prepared and ready to go, so you know I’m very excited for him… looking forward to watching him play. I think he’s going to play very, very well this year.”

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier commented on Ty Simpson, his experience in Bryant-Denny Stadium and the Kane Womack defense at #SECMediaDays#SECMD25pic.twitter.com/wJAvh5iuxa

— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) July 14, 2025

In limited playing time, Manning has been solid, completing 61-of-90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions with 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns for Texas last season.

Of course, both of these quarterbacks are viewed as players who could bring home the Heisman Trophy, with ESPN listing Nussmeier at No. 4 and Manning at No. 2 when listing their top-10 contenders.

It's not the first time the LSU products has spoken on the young quarterback either, telling reporters, “I love Arch. He’s a really good player. Want nothing but the best for him," during the Manning Passing Academy on June 27.

Of course, though, even if they have a friendly relationship, these two are in a stiff competition to win the SEC next season, with ESPN BET giving Texas the best odds (+250) to win the conference, while LSU is given the fourth-best (+800).

Related: Nation's No. 3 RB Predicted to Commit to SEC Powerhouse

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.