Ron DeSantis just dropped this bold prediction about Arch Manning that has football fans talking

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a striking proclamation about Texas quarterback Arch Manning that has the college football world buzzing.

But it’s something that oddsmakers already agree with.

And Ron DeSantis just dropped this bold prediction about Arch Manning that has football fans talking.

DeSantis touts Manning as Heisman frontrunner despite limited playing time

During a recent podcast interview with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Florida’s Governor made a bold prediction about who will dominate college football this fall.

“I think Arch Manning will probably be the favorite for the Heisman,” DeSantis said during the interview.

What makes this prediction particularly notable is that Manning has yet to be a full-time starter for the Texas Longhorns. 

The redshirt sophomore has spent his first two seasons backing up Quinn Ewers, seeing action in just 10 games and making only two starts when Ewers was sidelined with injuries.

In 10 games played last season, Manning completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while adding four rushing touchdowns.

Despite this limited resume, betting markets have Manning as the clear favorite for college football’s most prestigious individual award. 

According to Bet MGM, Manning currently has a 14.3% chance of winning the Heisman Trophy, placing him at the top of the oddsboard at +700 odds.

The Manning dynasty looks to add a Heisman to the family trophy case

DeSantis isn’t making this prediction in a vacuum. 

He revealed that he had spoken with Manning’s uncle, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, who made a stunning assessment of his nephew’s potential.

The Governor cited a conversation with Peyton Manning, in which the Hall of Fame quarterback said Arch “probably could be” better than him.

That’s extraordinary praise coming from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Despite the Manning family’s incredible football legacy – including grandfather Archie and uncle Eli – none have ever captured the Heisman Trophy.

Arch Manning could be the first to accomplish what eluded his famous relatives.

Not everyone is sold on the Manning hype train

But not all football experts are buying the Manning hype. Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, the SEC’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, has voiced skepticism about the premature coronation.

“If Steve Sarkisian knows what he’s doing and he knows how good their roster is… What was holding them back? Quinn Ewers. Why was Arch not playing? It’s like that rubs me the wrong way a little bit,” Murray said.

Manning himself appears to agree with Murray’s assessment about the unwarranted attention. 

Before spring practice began, Manning admitted he was anxious to earn his teammates’ respect as a first-time starter and acknowledged he has received a ton of “undeserved attention” despite his lack of snaps.

This humility may be one reason why Manning has surprisingly opted out of some high-profile opportunities that most college stars would eagerly embrace.

Manning passes on EA Sports College Football 26 cover

In a move that shocked many in the gaming community, Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian declined EA Sports’ invitation to participate in a photoshoot for the College Football 26 video game cover.

FOX Sports analyst RJ Young explained that Manning has been “very, very selective about who and what he wants to lend his Name, Image, and Likeness to,” noting that while Manning has participated in NIL deals, his approach is calculated.

“The way he has built his image has been to push away all these things that are about monetary gain,” Young said.

Instead of Manning, EA Sports announced that Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith will grace the cover of College Football 26. Both are sophomore wide receivers expected to have standout seasons.

College football analyst Josh Pate has expressed concerns about Manning’s supporting cast heading into 2025, noting that while he believes in Manning’s abilities, the quarterback “lost his top three wide receivers, multiple offensive linemen, and a tight end.”

Yet the Texas Longhorns are still considered national title contenders, with Manning expected to be the focal point of their offense. 

If Manning can lead Texas to a championship, he would become the first Longhorns quarterback to accomplish that feat since Vince Young in 2005.

DeSantis anticipates Gators’ showdown with Manning and Texas

Governor DeSantis is particularly interested in the Heisman frontrunner as Manning and the Longhorns will visit Gainesville to face the Florida Gators this season.

The Governor anticipates watching Manning and Texas when they play the University of Florida, setting up what could be one of the most anticipated SEC matchups of the season.

DeSantis also noted that Florida has its own Heisman contender in quarterback DJ Lagway, though Lagway’s odds are currently at +1800, making him a much longer shot than Manning.

With expectations soaring and the eyes of the college football world fixed firmly on him, Arch Manning enters the 2025 season carrying the weight of both family legacy and Heisman favorite status. 

Whether he can live up to the enormous hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Governor of Florida believes Manning is ready to take college football by storm.