Cam Newton addresses Arch Manning's Heisman Trophy chances: 'The hype is there for him to take it'

According to BetMGM, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in the upcoming season. He has +600 odds. The next closest player is LSU‘s Garrett Nussmeier with +900 odds.

Cam Newton doesn’t think it’s ridiculous to expect such great things from Manning. During an appearance on Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel, Newton weighed in on Manning’s Heisman chances.

“When you look at a guy like Arch, it’s like, ‘Oh, Texas is back.’ You know what I’m saying?” Newton said. “The hype is there for him to take it. I mean, barring any type of injury, I think he has everything. It’s already set from talent around him, to him being talented, to him having that last name.”

Cam Newton knows what it takes to win the most-coveted individual award in college football. Newton took home the Heisman Trophy in 2010 after tallying 2,854 passing yards, 1,473 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns in a single season.

While Manning has only put up a fraction of those numbers during his collegiate career, he’s shown promising flashes when given the chance. Manning particularly excited fans last season when he made back-to-back starts for the Longhorns while QB Quinn Ewers was out with an injury.

In the two starts, Manning completed 41-of-his-60 pass attempts for 583 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. He also recorded 29 rushing yards and a touchdown.

It’s worth noting that Manning’s two starts were against UL Monroe and Mississippi State. Nonetheless, the former five-star prospect’s talent is undeniable.

Manning won’t have to worry about facing inferior opponents this year. The Longhorns are kicking off their 2025 campaign with a showdown against reigning national champion Ohio State. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is excited for Manning to finally get his chance to shine.

“He’s always been, if not the hardest worker, one of the hardest workers on the team,” Sarkisian said. “He’s always been a great teammate. He’s always been a guy that’s connected to his teammates in that locker room. Now more than ever going into year three, the bulk of our team is our first, second, and third year players and all those guys have been his guys.”

It won’t be long until Arch Manning can show off his leadership. On Aug. 30, the Longhorns will square off against Ohio State at noon ET. The game will air live on FOX.