Kirk Herbstreit: Arch Manning Won't Be Face Of College Football In 2026
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Arch Manning might be the biggest name in college football, but ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit doesn't believe he's the face of the sport.
After a slow start to the 2025 season, Manning turned things around and had 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns. The nephew of former NFL greats Eli and Peyton Manning proved that he's capable of thriving in Steve Sarkisian's offense.
Despite Manning's undeniable talent, Herbstreit believes the face of college football might just be Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. At least that's what he said on "The Pat McAfee Show" this Tuesday.
"I think, by the way, that the face of the sport going into the season as much as people are going to talk about Arch Manning, I really think Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss," Herbstreit said. "He is so refreshing, when you get around this guy. You guys should have him on the show before the season starts, if you haven't had him on yet, you'll instantly fall in love with his personality."
Can Trinidad validate the hype?
Chambliss had an electric 2025 season with Ole Miss, completing 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 527 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Even though Ole Miss fell short to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, the program was on the cusp of making the national title game due to Chambliss' heroics. The dual-threat quarterback had the Rebels in the lead with a little over three minutes, but Carson Beck and the Hurricanes scored the go-ahead touchdown with 18 seconds left in regulation.
Ole Miss will begin its 2026 season on Sept. 6 against Louisville. It wouldn't shock us if Chambliss picks up where he left off.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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