Hype meets reality in 2025.
Cam Newton Doesn’t Hold Back on Arch Manning’s Heisman Outlook originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Heisman hype surrounding Arch Manning has sparked polarized reactions across the college football landscape, with some analysts leaning into the narrative and others applying pressure to pump the brakes.
Cam Newton, the 2010 Heisman winner and former Auburn Tigers star, added fuel to the conversation during a recent episode of the “Glory Daze” podcast with Johnny Manziel.
His take? The table is fully set for Manning to seize college football’s most prestigious individual honor. As Manning steps into his first full season as starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, expectations are sky high.
Yet the question remains: Is Arch more hype or hardware?
Cam Newton Backs Manning’s Heisman Trajectory Despite Lack of Experience
Newton made it clear that Manning, 21, has the tools, platform, and pedigree to make a legitimate run at the Heisman Trophy. “The hype is there for him to take it,” Newton said.
“He has everything... from talent around him to him being talented. To him having that last name.”
Newton and Manziel discussed other factors, such as the Longhorns' schedule and nationally televised games, that will provide Manning the opportunity to showcase his game to the entire country every week.
It’s a strong endorsement from a player who knows what it takes to win the award, but it comes despite the fact that Manning has only thrown 95 passes in his career to date.
While analysts like Paul Finebaum have thrown support behind Manning, others, including Jordan Rodgers, remain skeptical.
Newton’s words signal a belief not just in Manning’s physical gifts, elite arm strength, mobility, pocket awareness, but in the infrastructure around him at Texas.
Arch Manning Says Heisman Hype Is “Nice” But Dismisses the Pressure
Manning, who backed up Quinn Ewers for two seasons before his takeover of the quarterback position this season, addressed the Heisman buzz with a mix of self-awareness and caution at SEC Media Days.
“I’m not really sure how they got these opinions because I’ve only played in, what? Two games?” Manning said.
Despite DraftKings listing him as the preseason Heisman favorite at +650, Manning remains grounded. His development has been patient by modern standards, rare in today’s transfer portal era.
That maturity may serve him well as he takes the reins of a top-five team. He’s emphasized team leadership, offseason chemistry building, and mental balance as keys to navigating the spotlight. With a season-opening road game at Ohio State looming, Manning’s chance to validate the hype will come fast.
Manning’s ceiling remains undeniable, but his floor has yet to be revealed. Newton’s belief amplifies the narrative, but the results will ultimately shape whether the Manning name adds another Heisman chapter in 2025.
Related: A.J. McCarron Highlights Key Hurdles in Arch Manning’s Rise Amid Massive Hype
Related: Arch Manning Has Clear Edge Over Ohio State’s QBs, Claims Mack Brown
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
