Skip Bayless is known for his hot takes, and his latest target is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. As the 2027 NFL Draft buzz begins to build, many analysts are calling Manning the crown jewel of what could be an all-time great quarterback class. But Bayless isn't buying the hype.

Speaking on The Arena: Gridiron, Bayless questioned why Manning didn't immediately take the starting job from predecessor Quinn Ewers. "What happened the first year when he was at Texas? Nothing," Bayless said. "Quinn Ewers continued to start. What happened the second year? He started having little running packages, but Quinn Ewers started again. Quinn Ewers is beating out Arch Manning at Texas? Quinn Ewers was going to be a 7th-round pick of the Miami Dolphins."

Manning's 2026 season was a tale of two halves. He struggled early but caught fire down the stretch, nearly leading Texas to the College Football Playoff. Still, Bayless remains unconvinced that the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning will live up to his famous last name.

"That's why I gave him the first year," Bayless added. "The second year, he sits, really? It tells you you're not that guy. If you are HIM, you just walk on campus and say, enough."

Bayless also pointed to Manning's slow start this season and his decision to return for another year as red flags. "Then, he does start this year, he starts off really slowly. We're going six games deep before he starts to get a hold of it. And then, he says, 'I'm gonna come back next year.' You are Arch Manning. Would he have gone first this year if he was in the draft?"

Whether you agree with Bayless or not, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Manning as he prepares for his final college season and the inevitable leap to the NFL. For now, the debate rages on.