Eli Manning's Unforgettable College Football Career at Ole Miss Rebels

Eli Manning's Legendary College Career at Ole Miss

Eli Manning will forever be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Ole Miss football history. Manning put together a remarkable college career as the Rebels' signal caller from 2000-2003, cementing his legacy as an all-time SEC great.

The Recruitment of Eli Manning

As the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and younger brother of Peyton Manning, Eli was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school. He was ranked as the top quarterback prospect in the nation by most recruiting services and had his choice of colleges to attend.

Ultimately, Manning decided to follow in his father's footsteps and committed to Ole Miss. This was a major coup for the Rebels, as Manning picked them over Tennessee, where Peyton had become a legend for the Volunteers. Ole Miss fans were ecstatic to land the younger Manning.

Taking Over as a Freshman

After redshirting his first year on campus in 1999, Manning was named the Rebels' starting quarterback in 2000 as a redshirt freshman. He had huge shoes to fill, as Ole Miss was coming off an 8-4 season where senior Romaro Miller was one of the SEC's top passers.

Manning exceeded all expectations, passing for 2,948 yards with 20 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. His quick development as a freshman helped the Rebels finish 7-4 with a blowout win over Oklahoma in the Independence Bowl.

First Team All-American as a Sophomore

In 2001, Manning took his game to another level. He passed for 2,948 yards with 31 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions, finishing second in the SEC in passer rating and yards per attempt.

Manning led Ole Miss to seven straight wins to end the regular season, including a victory over LSU that snapped the Tigers' 26-game SEC winning streak. He was named First Team All-SEC and First Team All-American, placing third in Heisman Trophy voting.

Eli's Junior Season

The Rebels entered Manning's junior season in 2002 with sky-high expectations. They began the year ranked #16 in the preseason AP Poll.

Manning put up his best collegiate numbers as a junior, passing for 3,401 yards with 29 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. He led Ole Miss to a 7-1 SEC record and #14 ranking.

However, the Rebels faltered down the stretch, losing on the road to Arkansas and at home versus LSU. A blowout loss to Nebraska in the Independence Bowl left Ole Miss fans disappointed.

The Manning Legacy

Going into his senior year, Manning was pegged as a Heisman frontrunner and potential #1 overall pick. But his draft stock took a hit after Ole Miss struggled to a 10-3 record, losing by 24 at home to Tennessee.

Manning ended his career with a 35-18 record at Ole Miss, leaving as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. His #10 jersey will live on forever in Rebel lore.

Although Manning never won an SEC title or led Ole Miss to a major bowl, he is revered as the greatest quarterback in school history. Eli Manning's illustrious college career paved the way for him to become an NFL star and two-time Super Bowl MVP.

The Legacy of Eli's #10 Jersey at Ole Miss

When Eli Manning finished his Ole Miss career, his #10 jersey had become iconic in Oxford. He left as the most decorated quarterback in Rebels history after a phenomenal four-year run.

Retiring Eli's Number

On September 5, 2014, Ole Miss officially retired Manning's #10 jersey before a primetime game against Boise State. It was an emotional ceremony to honor Manning as a Rebels legend.

Manning became just the third player in program history to have his number retired, joining Chucky Mullins (#38) and Archie Manning (#18). It was a huge recognition of Eli's lasting impact on Ole Miss football.

The Archie and Eli Manning Center

To further memorialize the Manning family's connection to Ole Miss, the Rebels opened the Archie and Eli Manning Athletics Performance Center in 2019. The state-of-the-art facility houses the football program’s locker room, weight room, training room, coaches’ offices and meeting spaces.

Having Eli's name adorn the building symbolizes how he helped take Ole Miss football to new heights and brought respect to Oxford throughout his illustrious career.

A Lasting Legend

Even over a decade since Manning last donned the red and blue, his #10 Ole Miss jersey remains hallowed in Rebel fandom. Eli achieved feats unprecedented for any Rebel signal caller.

Whenever Ole Miss fans see that iconic #10 jersey, it hearkens back memories of Manning's college glory days. For generations to come, Eli Manning will be cherished as a genuine Ole Miss legend.

FAQs

Why did Eli Manning choose to play for Ole Miss?

Eli Manning decided to attend Ole Miss to follow in the footsteps of his father Archie Manning, who was a star quarterback for the Rebels in the 1960s and had his number retired by the program.

What were some of Eli Manning's greatest accomplishments at Ole Miss?

Some of Manning's top accomplishments included becoming Ole Miss' all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, being named First Team All-American in 2001, finishing third in 2001 Heisman voting, and leading the Rebels to a 10-3 record in 2003.

When was Eli Manning's jersey number retired by Ole Miss?

Ole Miss retired Eli Manning's #10 jersey in a ceremony before their home opener against Boise State on September 5, 2014. He became the third player in program history to have his number retired.

Did Eli Manning win any championships with Ole Miss?

No, Eli Manning did not win any SEC championships or major bowl games during his Ole Miss career. The Rebels' best finish was #14 in the polls his junior season in 2002 when they went 10-3.

Is Eli Manning considered the greatest Ole Miss quarterback of all time?

Yes, Manning is widely regarded as the best quarterback ever to play for Ole Miss. He set numerous passing records that still stand today and helped take the program to new heights of success.