Heisman frontrunner gives glowing praise to Texas QB Arch Manning

Texas fans loved Arch Manning before he ever stepped foot onto the Forty Acres. Heck, they loved him before he even committed to play for the Longhorns.

Now, the Arch Manning Era has finally arrived, and the prodigal son is set to take over the offense of the Texas Longhorns' football program.

Throughout this offseason, Manning has kept himself busy with summer practice sessions and, of course, the Manning Passing Academy, which was founded by his legenday grandfather and namesake Archie, his Super Bowl-winning uncles Eli and Peyton, and his father, Cooper, who was a star in college before suffering a career-ending injury.

Alongside the youngest Manning at the Passing Academy was a handful of other collegiate quarterbacks, including fellow SEC QB Garrett Nussmeier, who plays for the LSU Tigers and is currently the odds' favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

It's easy to assume that the two starting quarterbacks of powerhouse programs in the same conference could quickly run into some hurdles when it comes to their relationship, both on and off the football field.

However, Nussmeier made sure to let people know that he and Manning are from from enemies, despite both wanting to win it all for their team.

“We’re both high-level competitors... We both play for two schools that have the same goal. We know and both plan to compete for the same goal," Nussmeier said. "I’m definitely rooting for Arch. I think he’s a really good player. I love his swagger. I love his confidence, and I’m very excited to see his first season start, and I think he’s going to tear it up.”

That's really high praise from any player, much less a quarterback who has some of the highest expectations in the country. Not to mention the two stars formed a bond off the field, rooming together at the Manning Passing Academy.

Nussmeier already has a season of starting under his belt, leading the Tigers throughout last season and earning over 4,000 passing yards for 29 touchdowns through the air. One thing Manning can do a whole lot better than Nussmeier? Run the d--- ball.

Last season, Nussmeier lost 38 yards on 34 carries (including yards lost on sacks). Meanwhile, Manning ran the ball just 25 times to earn a resounding 108 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

The Tigers and the Horns aren't scheduled to play each other during the regular season this year. However, don't count out a meeting between Nussmeier and Manning at the SEC Championship or in the College Football Playoffs.