Tony Rizzo, a familiar voice in Cleveland sports radio, has ramped up speculation about potential blockbuster deals with elite coach Nick Saban and new hot quarterback prospect Arch Manning.
In a recent episode of ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show,” Rizzo connected the dots that have captivated local sports enthusiasts and analysts alike.
“Yeah, I think Jimmy [Haslam] likes Nick Saban. Who doesn’t like Nick Saban?” Rizzo stated during the broadcast. “Like is it bad for him to like Nick Saban? Is this like people, oh he tried to get Nick Saban. Yeah, yeah Nick Saban’s good.”
“Let’s connect these dots. You’re going into a new stadium. You’ve got to make a big splash, and you want your team to be good,” he added.
Wait, could the Browns actually try and get Arch Manning and Nick Saban next year??? pic.twitter.com/ip8dML6Nh2
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 24, 2025
Rizzo’s analysis centers on what he considers to be positioning from the business decision-makers at play. He focused on the universal appeal of Nick Saban and asked rhetorically if there’s a drawback to admiration for the coaching legend.
The ESPN Cleveland personality broadened his speculation to encompass Arch Manning because the young quarterback appears to be the most popular name across the entire football space. Rizzo implied that interest in both Saban and Manning indicates calculation rather than coincidence.
The $5.15 billion [as per Forbes] valuation for the Cleveland Browns puts into perspective the level of investment being discussed. According to Rizzo’s commentary, that context provides for the potential take on bold players.
Nick Saban and Arch Manning Speculation Reflects Broader Franchise Building Strategy
Tony Rizzo’s analysis also summarized the four-year timeframe teams normally use as their timeline for major transitions and competitive activity. The veteran radio host challenged assumptions about organizational stability in his commentary.
“Those of you that think Andrew [Berry] and Kevin [Stefanski] are locks to come back next year, ah, not so fast, my friend,” Rizzo declared during the broadcast.
Rizzo’s comments framed hopes for franchise-changing want coinciding with major renovations to facilities. He pointed out that teams moving into new stadiums sometimes even utilize a big marquee acquisition in conjunction with the stadium and renovations. He stated that due to the nature of timing, potentially unique opportunities may exist to affect transformational change.
The broadcaster’s commentary suggested that Nick Saban’s success follows him, even beyond individual programs or leagues, and that this reputation, with the broadcaster’s analysis, made him a prime target for ambitious organizations.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
