Latest news with #McElroy&CubelicintheMorning
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Greg McElroy questions Texas' Arch Manning's top-10 QB status
ESPN's Greg McElroy questions Texas' Arch Manning's top-10 QB status McElroy says Manning must prove himself as a starter before being named elite. Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning continues to face skepticism from prominent college football analysts, with former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy the latest to question the hype surrounding the highly touted sophomore. During a recent episode of "McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning," McElroy defended his decision to omit Manning from his preseason top-10 quarterback list for 2025, despite widespread projections placing the Texas signal-caller among the nation's elite. McElroy compared Manning's current trajectory to that of former five-star recruits Brock Vandagriff and Jackson Arnold, both of whom struggled to meet expectations at Kentucky and Oklahoma, respectively. "Well first thing, you have to play. Unfortunately, there are plenty of five-stars who aren't good. Brock Vandagriff was like a can't-miss prospect. How did that go for Kentucky last year? Jackson Arnold, how did that go for Oklahoma?" - ESPN's Greg McElroy McElroy emphasized that while Manning's talent and pedigree are undeniable, his production has come largely against weaker competition. In Manning's limited action last season, most of his stats were compiled against UTSA, Louisiana Monroe, and Mississippi State — teams that ranked 71st, 83rd, and 126th in total defense, respectively. "Under no circumstances should he be a top-10 quarterback. He can be a top-10 talent. I have no problemwith that. I think people have a hard time separating talent from production. Yes, talent and potential are awesome. Production is a totally different thing." - ESPN's Greg McElroy Manning completed over 67% of his passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions in spot duty last season, but McElroy insists that the real test will come when Manning faces top-tier opponents in the SEC. Despite the criticism, McElroy acknowledged Manning's potential for future success and included him as an honorable mention on his quarterback list. Manning will have an early opportunity to answer his critics when Texas opens the season at Ohio State in Columbus. The Longhorns' new starter will look to turn potential into production and prove he belongs among college football's best as the 2025 season unfolds. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire.
USA Today
26-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN analyst believes Clemson should be the No. 1 ranked team for the 2025 season
ESPN's Greg McElroy has sparked a conversation about Clemson's standing in college football heading into 2025, boldly suggesting that the Tigers should be considered the top team in the nation. 'Honestly, they should be No. 1,' McElroy said on his show, McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning. 'Most people won't put them there, but they probably should be.' Despite winning the ACC Championship and earning a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, Clemson hasn't been widely viewed as the team to beat in early 2025 projections. However, McElroy sees things differently. He credits Clemson's resilience during their playoff matchup against Texas and the strong group of returning players as reasons why the Tigers deserve the top spot. 'Look at their production coming back,' he added. 'They played well against Texas, even after a rough start. This is a team that improved and finished strong.' As for Ohio State, McElroy doesn't share the same optimism, despite their 2024 national title. He questioned whether the Buckeyes should open next season as the No. 1 team, noting the significant losses they've suffered. 'It's hard for me to put them there,' McElroy said. 'They had a special team this year, but I don't think that automatically means they should start next season at the top.'
