{
  "id": 15448339,
  "title": "Paul Finebaum Savagely Rips Steve Sarkisian Over Handling of Arch Manning",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/paul-finebaum-savagely-rips-steve-sarkisian-over-handling-of-arch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-18T16:38:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/paul-finebaum-savagely-rips-steve-sarkisian-over-handling-of-arch-manning-12585460"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum criticized Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian after the unranked Florida Gators defeated the Longhorns 27-24 in Austin. The loss sent Texas into a two-game losing streak for the first time since 2021. Finebaum accused Sarkisian of mishandling the team, stating that he \"has made an absolute mess out of the most talented team in the country.\" The Florida victory came two weeks after Texas was ranked No. 1 without a loss. Oklahoma defeated Texas 27-24 in the Red River Rivalry, causing Sarkisian's first-year team to suffer its first two-game skid. Arch Manning, Texas' quarterback, completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and a late touchdown, but he carried the ball only ten times for zero yards. Five sacks, including a strip-sack fumble with 1:58 remaining, ultimately sealed the defeat. Finebaum pointed out Sarkisian's comments after the Oklahoma loss, where the coach suggested Joe Smith would receive praise instead of criticism. Finebaum questioned why Manning would start against Ole Miss under Sarkisian and wondered if the young quarterback would regret his decision to play for the coach. Texas' offense entered the game with the SEC's worst three-and-out rate, nearly 29%. The team now faces Ole Miss in Austin, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Texas must also travel to Missouri, LSU, and Texas A&M.",
  "summary": "Paul Finebaum pins Texas’ loss to Florida on one man and floats a startling Arch Manning question before Ole Miss.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Will Texas bench Arch Manning? Steve Sarkisian mum on QB's future",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/will-texas-bench-arch-manning-steve-sarkisian-mum-on-qbs-future",
        "published": "2026-10-17T21:35:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Arch Manning's Starting Job at Texas in Question After Sarkisian Comments",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/arch-mannings-starting-job-at-texas-in-question-after-sarkisian",
        "published": "2026-10-17T23:28:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}