He'd look like a beta who is scared of Trump if he said that. DeSantis will make a decision and announcement regarding a potential candidacy in 2024 when it makes sense for him. Exact same thing Trump will do.
If Trump doesn't like that, he can keep making up nicknames and attacking DeSantis from now until then. I don't think DeSantis would mind.
DeSantis would look like an Alpha Knight showing fealty to the Liege who raised him up.
Who are we kidding DeSantis could never deign to admit that he isn't the center of the world. DeSantis is exponentially more narcistic than President Trump ever was.
President Trump is often making self-deprecating comments. DeSantis not so much.