Huntsman, considered a rising GOP star, will speak at some point during the convention that runs Sept. 1-4. Huntsman's spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley confirmed the speaking role on Tuesday.

"Our understanding is that he is speaking, yes," Roskelley said, adding the office was 99 percent sure, though details were still being worked out.

Claiming the convention stage - even for a few minutes - will give Huntsman, a relatively unknown figure on the national scene, wide exposure. Speaking roles are limited at the convention and considered prestigious opportunities.

Huntsman was an early backer of Sen. John McCain, who will be crowned the Republican nominee on the last night of the convention.

Kirk Jowers, head of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, says Huntsman is "precisely the face of the Republican Party that needs to be shown at this convention."

And it could bring good tidings for Huntsman as well. "It signals that bigger things may be in store for him if McCain is to prevail," Jowers said.