Paul Finebaum thinks Arch Manning’s breakout game against UTSA puts Heisman hopes on the horizon

Arch Manning had a fantastic performance on Saturday in Texas’ 56-7 Week 3 win against UTSA. The quarterback, who had sufficient game time for the Longhorns following Quinn Ewers' injury in the second quarter, completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns.

Manning's impressive performance on Saturday caught the attention of college football analyst Paul Finebaum. The SEC Network analyst made a bold Heisman Trophy prediction about the Longhorns quarterback in his appearance on “SportsCenter” on Sunday morning.

"Book it. Arch Manning is going to win the Heisman. I am in on that," Finebaum said Sunday morning on "SportsCenter. "And by the way, His granddad (Archie Manning) and Peyton probably should have won it and Arch will.

“Could you imagine? He's replacing a Heisman favorite (Quinn Ewers) right now. I don't know if he'll win it this year, but Arch Manning will definitely win the Heisman at Texas.”

While Quinn Ewers is still considered Texas’ starting quarterback, Paul Finebaum is making a case for Arch Manning. The analyst sees a chance of Manning getting the starting spot.

Following the performance against the Roadrunners in Week 3, there's an increased confidence in Manning across the college football world. In his view, Paul Finebaum doesn't think it's out of place to see a change at quarterback at Texas after what was seen on Saturday.

“I don’t think they look any different,” Finebaum said. “Now, I’m sure, the old timers will say — not that I’m a new timer — ‘Hey, that experience of Quinn Ewers.’ But Arch Manning looks like he’s been around and I think Texas is in great shape," Finebaum continued.

Paul Finebaum likens Arch Manning-Quinn Ewers at Texas to Oklahoma situation in 2021

Oklahoma had Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback in 2021 and ahead of the season, he was seen as the favorite for the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, a lot changed during the season and Paul Finebaum sees the possibility of that happening again in Texas.

“As I remember, Spencer Rattler, wasn’t he the Heisman favorite going into the season? And he got replaced by Caleb Williams. So, I mean it’s happened before, but I’m sure Sark will figure this out. It doesn’t matter. Texas doesn’t have much on their dance card until we get to October, so they’re in good shape,” Finebaum said.

Manning is expected to lead Texas’ offense in the next couple of games as Quinn Ewers continues to recover from his injury. As it stands, Ewers looks likely to reclaim the starting spot when he returns to action.