Rodgers also dealt with added pressure based on his name.
Jordan Rodgers Claims Arch Manning Could Face Similar Struggles as Bronny James originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
ESPN college football analyst Jordan Rodgers isn’t sold on the Arch Manning hype, at least not yet. During a recent segment on "Crain & Company," Rodgers drew a surprising comparison between the Texas Longhorns quarterback and LeBron James' son and Los Angeles Lakers teammate Bronny James, pointing to the pressures that come with having a famous last name.
“There was a different perception of how talented I was,” Rodgers said, reflecting on his own playing days as the younger brother of NFL great Aaron Rodgers. “And it was inaccurate. … I never had that kind of skill set. Well, it’s like Bronny. 100%.”
Rodgers explained that Manning, who didn't appear on his list of the top five quarterbacks in college football, could struggle like Bronny James has early in his career simply because of the weight of his family name.
“That’s a little bit of where the hype’s coming from,” Rodgers said. “And unfortunately, it’s not going to give Arch the time to mature and develop early in this season, the way I would have hoped.”
The comments were a direct rebuttal to fellow ESPN personality Paul Finebaum, who has repeatedly hyped Manning as a potential breakout star in the SEC this season in his belief the Longhorns signal-caller could be the best college football quarterback since Tim Tebow.
Finebaum has praised Manning’s upside and pedigree, while others, including Rodgers, are more skeptical of the immediate expectations.
Rodgers recently ranked Manning as the fifth-best quarterback in the SEC despite the former five-star recruit and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning being one of the most talked-about players in the country.
While Manning will take over as Texas’ starting quarterback in 2025 after playing in 12 games, including two starts, as a backup, Rodgers warned that the spotlight may be too bright, too soon. Like Bronny James, Manning could face outsized scrutiny before he has had a chance to settle into the college game.
Time will tell if the name on the back of the jersey helps or hurts.
Related: Paul Finebaum Hilariously Claps Back at Jordan Rodgers Over Comments About Arch Manning
Related: Former NFL QB Shuts Down Arch Manning Hype Train With Blunt Verdict
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
