Joel Klatt just dropped a bombshell, leaving the college football world buzzing. The respected FOX Sports analyst turned heads and dropped jaws when he named Texas quarterback Arch Manning as his preseason Heisman Trophy favorite for 2025. Talk about a bold prediction!
Joel Klatt Makes Bold Heisman Pick
Despite Manning having just two starts under his belt last season, Klatt isn’t holding back his enthusiasm for the former No. 1 overall recruit who’s finally getting his shot after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two years. And let me tell you, Longhorn fans are eating this up while rival fanbases roll their eyes so hard they might strain something.
“It’s officially the Arch Manning era. I believe he will be my Heisman front-runner to begin the year. I think he can have that impact and that large of a season,” Klatt declared on “The Joel Klatt Show,” making his position crystal clear.
FOX’s Joel Klatt Names Arch Manning His Early Heisman Favorite, Ranks Texas No. 2 for 2025 Season: Here’s why
So what’s got Klatt so fired up about a quarterback with just 95 career pass attempts? Let’s break it down.
For starters, Manning’s limited playing time has still been pretty darn impressive—969 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Those are efficient numbers that hint at his sky-high potential.
But Klatt’s confidence isn’t just about Manning himself—it’s about the whole Texas package. The Longhorns are bringing back some serious firepower with running backs CJ Baxter and Trey Wisner, plus young but uber-talented receivers like Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore. That’s a lot of weapons for a quarterback with Manning’s arm talent!
Klatt acknowledged one tiny little concern: Texas is rebuilding its entire offensive line, replacing four of five starters. “Texas is replacing four of five starters on the offensive line. Two of them were at the tackle position, having to restock the fridge in order to protect Manning. That is a bit concerning,” Klatt admitted.
But don’t worry, Longhorn fans! Klatt thinks Texas’s defense will be so good that it’ll give that new O-line time to figure things out. He highlighted sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill, and safety Michael Taaffe as “elite-level players at all three levels.”
Let’s be real—this Heisman prediction is part of Klatt’s larger love letter to what Steve Sarkisian has built in Austin. The analyst ranked Texas No. 2 in his post-spring Top 25, behind only Penn State and ahead of powerhouses like Ohio State, Oregon, and Alabama.
“Steve Sarkisian has built a program that is a preeminent program in college football. You don’t have to ask if Texas is back; they are back. They’ve been in the national semifinals for two straight years. And they may get past that this year,” Klatt gushed.
The last time a Texas player hoisted the Heisman? Way back in 1998, when Ricky Williams was breaking rushing records left and right. Could Manning bring the trophy back to Austin while potentially leading the Longhorns to their first national title since 2005?
KEEP READING: Joel Klatt Explains Why He Believes Michigan Football Can Be a Top 10 Team in 2025
If Joel Klatt’s crystal ball is accurate, the answer is a resounding “Hook ’em Horns!” Now we just have to wait and see if Manning can live up to the hype—and that famous last name of his.
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