ARCH Manning could become the ‘ultimate villain’ in college football, a leading analyst has predicted.
Manning, 19, will take over as Texas Longhorns starting quarterback this fall.
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He replaces Quinn Ewers under center after the 22-year-old declared for the NFL Draft.
Manning has high expectations on his shoulders because of his family name.
His uncles Peyton and Eli Manning won two Super Bowls each during their iconic NFL careers.
ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis thinks the added attention Manning receives could turn fans against him.
“It’s unfortunate,” Davis said on the College GameDay podcast.
“Because of the attention he’s going to get, he’s going to become a fan favorite for those outside of Texas.
“And for others outside of Texas, he’s going to become the ultimate villain.
“I don’t just mean Oklahoma people.”
Davis continued, “Those who are not predisposed to like him, whether they are a Texas fan or they like the Mannings or they like the ManningCast or whatever, or they just feel like it’s too much too soon, they’re going to root against him.
Manning is already one of the biggest stars in all of college sports.
ON3 put his name, image and likeness valuation at $6.5 million.
The teen star was recently part of a commercial with dad cooper and grandfather Archie.
Archie played quarterback in the NFL from 1971 to 1984 and was named to two Pro Bowls.
Arch will be eligible to enter the NFL Draft as early as spring 2026.
Davis, meanwhile, has signed a seven-year contract extension with ESPN worth tens of millions.
He was wanted by Fox Sports to potentially host their college football coverage instead.
But Davis will remain at ESPN and be the host of College GameDay up until the end of the current media rights deal in 2032.
He has been with ESPN for more than 25 years, according to their website.
And Davis has hosted College GameDay for nine full seasons.
The show has been revamped in recent years with Pat McAfee and Nick Saban joining the panel.