“Slap in the Face”: AJ McCarron Calls Out Arch Manning’s Inclusion in All-SEC Media Teams

“Slap in the Face”: AJ McCarron Calls Out Arch Manning’s Inclusion in All-SEC Media Teams originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The All-SEC media teams were supposed to highlight the best of the best heading into the 2025 season. But former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron isn't buying all the selections, and he’s making it known.

McCarron recently voiced frustration during his podcast "The Dynasty" over Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning being named to the Third Team in the All-SEC media team, calling it a “slap in the face” to Florida Gators signal-caller DJ Lagway, who had an impressive freshman season in 2024.

“The fact that Lagway is not on this and Arch made it over him is also a slap in the face,” McCarron said. “That’s not a knock to Arch. I love the Manning family. I’ve known them for years. And I think Arch is going to be a hell of a player.”

Still, McCarron pointed out what many in SEC circles have whispered. While Manning will be the Longhorns’ full-time starter in 2025, he spent most of the 2024 season backing up Quinn Ewers. Manning's playing time was limited, only seeing the field when Ewers was injured or Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian decided to shake things up.

“You're talking about a guy that rotated in every once in a while when Sark got mad at Quinn,” McCarron added. “Lagway played for most of the year. I just don't understand it.”

South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers was the media's First Team selection, and Garrett Nussmeier of the LSU Tigers got the Second Team nod.

Lagway, a true freshman phenom last year, gave Florida fans hope in 2024 with strong performances and a competitive edge after taking over the starting job from Graham Mertz. Statistically, he delivered in key moments and looked every bit like one of the SEC’s next stars with 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Meanwhile, Manning’s name continues to dominate headlines. As a member of the first family of football, every snap, stat and sideline shot gets dissected. But does that justify preseason honors over more proven contributors?

McCarron isn’t convinced. And as the 2025 season approaches, the debate around hype versus production will only grow louder in SEC country.

Manning will be tested right out of the gate with a Week 1 matchup against defending the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes on Aug. 30 at noon ET.

Related: Former NFL Scout Shares Blunt Take on Arch Manning’s Preseason Hype

Related: Jordan Rodgers Claims Arch Manning Could Face Similar Struggles as Bronny James

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.