‘Let’s Be Fair to Him’ — Stephen A. Smith Defends Arch Manning Amid Backlash Over Underwhelming Performances
· Yahoo Sports
The Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning’s days are not going well, as he has not been able to deliver his best performances in the 2026 college football season. The young quarterback has been criticized for his lack of consistency, raising questions about his development and future NFL prospects.
Manning entered the season with high expectations, as he was considered one of the most promising young quarterbacks and was expected to help the organization win.
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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectStephen A. Smith Defends Arch Manning Amid Criticism
During an episode of “First Take,” analyst Stephen A. Smith defended the young quarterback and asked everyone to take a balanced approach when evaluating him. He said:
“Well, let’s be reasonable. I mean, let’s be fair to him in this regard. You’re right about everything that you’re saying, G-Mac, along with UCC. But let’s understand what the name Manning means. You had, you know, Archie Manning. Then you had Peyton Manning, one of the all-time greats. You have Eli Manning, who at least is going to warrant consideration, if not ultimately ending up in the Hall of Fame. You have two uncles that have four Super Bowl titles on their resume, two apiece. One who is recognized as one of the all-time greats. And oh, by the way, they ain’t distant uncles. They ain’t just people that share your last name. “
“They practice with you. They coach you. They school you. They’re at games. They’re attending these games. They’re watching you. And so when you have a lot of NFL evaluators fantasizing about the Mannings, it’s because A, he’s a Manning. It’s because, and we never say this enough, but I will, they’re imagining a team grabbing him, and they are not the only ones that get to coach him. He’s going to be tutored by at least one all-time great and potentially two Hall of Famers. And so when you look at it from that standpoint, that’s really what it comes down to, which is where all the hoopla comes. Not to mention the fact he’s got good size on him. He’s got physical gifts that neither Manning had before him because Peyton and Eli couldn’t run with the football the way Arch Manning can. He can throw the ball as well. He’s just not consistent. And under pressure, he’s not unflappable. That’s the reality of the situation.“
The criticism increased when Manning played a significant role in Texas’ heartbreaking 27–24 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners. Fans and analysts questioned his ability to handle pressure and his decision-making skills.
Manning comes from a famous family, and his every move is closely watched. Every mistake attracts significant attention, while impressive performances are often measured against the achievements of his relatives.
Despite the growing criticism, Manning still has time to improve his performance and prove his potential. The young quarterback possesses the physical abilities and passing skills required to succeed at a high level, but consistency remains a major concern. His ability to learn from mistakes and make better decisions under pressure will be crucial for Texas moving forward. The upcoming games could provide Manning with an opportunity to silence his critics and rebuild confidence among fans who continue to believe in his talent.
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