Relive Eli Manning's Incredible College Football Career and Famous #10 Jersey at Ole Miss

Eli Manning's Legendary College Football Career at Ole Miss

Eli Manning will forever be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history after winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. But before he achieved stardom in the pros, Manning had an incredible college football career at Ole Miss from 2000-2003.

The Manning Legacy at Ole Miss

Manning came from a family of football royalty. His father Archie was a star quarterback for Ole Miss in the late 1960s and early 1970s. When Eli followed in his footsteps and committed to play for the Rebels, it created huge expectations and pressure on the young quarterback.

Ole Miss fans were hoping that Manning could lead the program back to national prominence like his father did. Archie famously led Ole Miss to a Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas in 1970, which resulted in a #3 ranking in the AP Poll.

Early Success as a Freshman

Despite the pressure, Manning handled the transition to college football with ease. He won the starting QB job right away as a true freshman in 2000. While Ole Miss struggled to a 7-4 regular season, Manning showed flashes of brilliance. He passed for over 2,000 yards with 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Manning led Ole Miss to the Music City Bowl in Nashville to take on West Virginia. He had a terrific performance, passing for 366 yards in a 49-38 Rebels victory. Manning was named the bowl MVP.

Breakout 2001 Season

In his sophomore season, Manning took his game to another level. He passed for over 3,400 yards with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Manning led Ole Miss to seven straight wins to start the season and a #13 ranking.

The Rebels earned a trip to the Independence Bowl to take on Nebraska. Manning out-dueled Heisman finalist Eric Crouch in a 27-23 upset win. Ole Miss finished the year at 10-3 and set expectations sky-high for Manning's next two seasons.

Chasing an SEC Championship in 2002

Manning put up huge numbers as a junior, passing for 3,401 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led Ole Miss to a 7-1 SEC record and top 10 ranking.

But in the biggest game of the year, Manning came up just short. Against rival LSU, he threw three costly interceptions in a 14-13 loss. With both teams finishing 7-1 in SEC play, LSU earned a spot in the conference championship game based on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Manning vs. Grossman Battle

As a senior in 2003, Manning was determined to lead Ole Miss to new heights. He posted a 10-2 regular season record and earned an invitation to the Cotton Bowl Classic.

Manning faced off against Florida's Rex Grossman, that year's Heisman Trophy runner-up. The two quarterbacks put on a show, combining for over 700 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. In the end, Ole Miss pulled off a 31-28 victory behind Manning's 259 yards and 2 TDs.

Manning finished his Ole Miss career with a 35-18 record, over 10,000 passing yards, and 81 touchdowns. Although he never won an SEC title or earned All-American honors, he cemented his legacy as one of the Rebels' all-time greats.

Manning's Iconic #10 Jersey at Ole Miss

Throughout his Ole Miss career, Eli Manning wore the #10 jersey. It became as synonymous with him as Archie's famous #18. Eli's jersey remains one of the most popular in Rebels history.

Following Archie's Footsteps

Archie Manning's #18 jersey was retired after his Ole Miss playing days, so Eli chose to wear #10. He wanted to honor his father's legacy while also establishing his own identity.

When Eli arrived on campus, another Ole Miss quarterback named Romaro Miller was already wearing #10. But Miller graciously gave up the number so that the freshman Manning could wear it.

The Look of the Jersey

Ole Miss wore simple uniforms during Eli's era, with navy blue jerseys at home and white on the road. Both featured bold red numbers outlined in navy.

The #10 jersey had a classic look, with Manning's last name printed above the number on the back. On the front, an interlocking "UM" logo appeared on the top left. Nike provided the jerseys and served as the team's apparel sponsor.

Still Popular Today

Years after Manning graduated, his #10 Ole Miss jersey remains hugely popular with Rebels fans. It's often spotted throughout Oxford on game days and can be purchased through the school bookstore and online retailers.

In 2018, Ole Miss announced that Manning's #10 would be officially retired, further cementing his legendary status. Archie and Eli became the first father-son duo to have their numbers retired by the same school.

Manning's Impact on the Ole Miss Football Program

It's impossible to overstate the importance of Eli Manning's college career at Ole Miss. Although he never reached a national championship game or won a Heisman Trophy, Manning had a transformative effect on the Rebels program.

Putting Ole Miss Back on the Map

After Archie's days, Ole Miss faded from national prominence in the 1980s and 90s. But Eli's commitment in 1997 gave the program credibility again. He signed as the top quarterback prospect in the country out of New Orleans.

Manning led Ole Miss to three straight bowl wins from 2000-2003. The Rebels became a top 15 program and helped launch the SEC West as a power division.

Increased Visibility and Ticket Sales

As a high-profile recruit, Manning brought major media attention to Ole Miss. The program was regularly featured on ESPN and national publications.

With Manning at the helm, Ole Miss also saw huge increases in ticket sales and game attendance. Fans packed Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to see the local star shine.

Impact on Recruiting

The presence of Manning made Ole Miss a more attractive destination for other top recruits. Many offensive skill players saw Manning as a chance to showcase their talents.

Ole Miss signed highly touted prospects like Mike Espy, Chris Collins, and Bill Flowers to play with Manning. His younger brother Peyton later followed him to Ole Miss as well before eventually joining the NFL.

Manning's elite talent and championship pedigree opened doors on the recruiting trail during his tenure as the Rebels' starting QB.

Manning's Ole Miss Jersey Lives on in Folklore

Stories and legends about Eli Manning's acclaimed college career at Ole Miss have lived on long after his graduation. His #10 jersey remains a prominent part of that folklore.

The Archie Comparisons

Throughout his Ole Miss career, Manning was measured against the impossibly high standard set by his father Archie. Fans constantly debated whether Eli or Archie was the better player.

But by the time Eli graduated, he had created his own legacy through feats like the Cotton Bowl win over Florida. In the end, he emerged from his father's shadow through his own accomplishments.

The Manning Scramble

In back-to-back wins over Florida and Auburn in 2003, Manning broke off long scrambles for key first downs. This led to the legendary "Manning Scramble" becoming part of Ole Miss lore.

Seeing the slow-footed Manning take off running surprised everyone. But it illustrated his grit and determination to do whatever it took to win.

Dreaming of the NFL

As Manning racked up wins and put up huge numbers, Ole Miss fans dreamed of the day he would take his talents to the NFL. He was undoubtedly the top QB prospect in the country after his senior year.

Sure enough, Manning was the #1 overall pick in the 2004 draft, launching a legendary pro career highlighted by two memorable Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants.

But Ole Miss fans will also never forget his glory days leading the Rebels in the iconic #10 jersey, creating memories to last a lifetime in Oxford.

FAQs

What number did Eli Manning wear at Ole Miss?

Eli Manning wore the #10 jersey throughout his Ole Miss career from 2000-2003.

What bowl games did Ole Miss play in with Eli Manning as quarterback?

Ole Miss played in the Music City Bowl, Independence Bowl, and Cotton Bowl during Eli Manning's four years as starter.

Did Eli Manning win the Heisman Trophy?

No, Eli Manning was never named a Heisman Trophy finalist during his time at Ole Miss. His best finish was 3rd in the voting in 2003.

How many wins did Ole Miss have with Eli Manning as QB?

The Rebels went 35-18 in four seasons with Manning as their starting quarterback from 2000-2003.

When did Ole Miss retire Eli Manning's number 10 jersey?

Ole Miss officially retired Manning's #10 jersey in a ceremony during the 2018 football season.