The fact that the media is making him into a darling, makes me suspect he’s controlled opposition.

It is always prudent to be skeptical when the MSM is giving favorable coverage to anyone, and I don't disagree with your sentiment. But do consider that even the lying, asshole MSM might honestly respect DeSantis, to some degree, for how he has fought against covid tyranny. All that mask/lockdown/vaxx bullshit pissed a whole lot of people off, both on the left, and right.