
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has sparked a heated debate after ESPN analyst Josh Pate publicly questioned whether the Heisman hopeful can lead the No. 1-ranked Longhorns to a national title.
During a segment on *Get Up*, Pate argued that Texas’s current offensive performance—despite a flawless 4-0 start—wouldn’t be enough to overcome elite defenses in a title run. The comments ignited a firestorm among fans, with many dismissing Pate’s take as ignorant, given Texas’s recent gritty wins.
The Longhorns rallied past No. 1 Ohio State in a 24-23 thriller after trailing 23-3 late, then edged No.
14 Tennessee 20-17 in a hard-fought SEC showdown. Manning’s struggles with protection—Texas has allowed 10 sacks in four games—have drawn scrutiny, though coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the need for offensive-line and receiver improvements during the team’s bye week.
Pate’s remarks also drew backlash for comparing this year’s Florida Gators to LSU’s 2019 title-winning squad, a prediction that fell flat when the Gators lost to Missouri shortly after. With Texas’s tough upcoming schedule—including a Nov.
7 road trip to Missouri—fans and analysts alike are divided on whether Manning’s development or defensive firepower will decide the Longhorns’ championship fate.

NHL · 2h ago
NBA · 2h ago
MLB · 2h ago
NBA · 2h ago
NHL · 2h ago
NHL · 2h ago
MLB · 2h ago
NBA · 2h ago
See all videos