AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns’ QB situation seems to be settled for the upcoming season as Quinn Ewers returns and is set to be the starter with Arch Manning as his backup. College Football Analyst Paul Finebaum, however, appears to have a different take, believing Ewers’ claim to the starting spot is not as locked in as people think.

When asked who he thinks the Texas starter will be at the end of the year here is what he had to say.

That will be Arch Manning. I don’t need to tiptoe around that. That is guaranteed. You heard it,”

-Finebaum to reporter Tyler Fieldman

This is certainly a bold take as Ewers has received a ton of pre-season hype even being ranked as high as the second-best QB for the 2024 season. Ewers had a productive season in 2023 throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns. It will not be easy for Manning to beat out the veteran QB. Injuries are also another reason Manning could see some playing time as Ewers was hurt most of the 2022 season and was out two games last year.

RELATED: Arch Manning on playing time, relationship with Quinn Ewers

Here is the full Finebaum clip

I asked @Finebaum who will be the #Longhorns starting QB by the end of their first season in the #SEC.

His response: “That will be Arch Manning. I don’t need to tiptoe around that. That is guaranteed. You heard it.”#HookEm | @KVUE pic.twitter.com/RXuRg10WMb

— Tyler Feldman (@TylerFeldmanTV) June 30, 2024

Manning seems like he may be up for the task as he recently talked at the Manning Passing Academy about the work he has put in this off-season and how he knows he must stay ready if his name is called at some point this season.

“I feel like I’m getting better every day Just trying to stay ready. Anything can happen. I’m excited and I’m gonna be ready.”

– Manning on the 2024 season

The second-year QB has shown a ton of potential looking impressive in his short rep count last season versus Texas Tech and in the Longhorns spring game accounting for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Manning could be a day-one starter on many teams so expect him to push for the starting gig.

The Longhorns will open the season when they host Colorado State on August 31st at DKR Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN at 2:30 central time.

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