Eli Manning's Legendary College Football Career at Ole Miss

The Legacy of Eli Manning at Ole Miss

The Manning name is synonymous with greatness in college football. After Archie Manning carved out a legendary career at Ole Miss from 1968-1970, his sons followed in his footsteps to become two of the best quarterbacks in SEC history. Peyton Manning exceeded expectations as an All-American at Tennessee. However, his brother Eli forged his own path and legacy by attending their father's alma mater Ole Miss from 2000-2003.

Eli Chooses Ole Miss

As a highly touted high school recruit, Eli Manning could have attended any college football powerhouse program in the country. With Peyton excelling at Tennessee and Cooper Manning also playing for the Volunteers, many expected the youngest Manning to continue the family tradition. However, Eli wanted to blaze his own trail and help Ole Miss return to glory. He officially committed to the Rebels in February 1997 stating, "Ole Miss is where I want to be, where I feel comfortable."

Early Success

After redshirting his freshman year in 1999, Eli took over as the Rebels starting quarterback in 2000. He made an immediate impact by passing for 2,948 yards with 31 touchdowns and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. The next season, Manning led Ole Miss to a 7-4 regular season record and a victory in the Independence Bowl - their first winning season in five years. His stellar play continued into 2002 when he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting and won the Maxwell Award as the best college football player in the nation.

The Manning Legacy

The 2003 season cemented Eli Manning's legacy as one of the greatest, if not the greatest player in Ole Miss history. He again led the Rebels to a 10-3 record and a Cotton Bowl win while becoming the SEC's all-time leader in career passing yards (10,119) and touchdowns (81). Manning's #10 jersey is retired at Ole Miss, and he was inducted into the Ole Miss Athletics Hall of Fame. A Manning statue now stands outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium honoring Archie, Eli, and Cooper.

NFL Career

After being selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Eli Manning was quickly traded to the New York Giants. He spent his entire 16-year career with the Giants, winning two Super Bowl championships (XLII and XLVI) and Super Bowl MVP awards. Manning is seventh all-time in passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366). His jersey #10 is also retired by the Giants, and he will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in September 2022.

The Manning Legacy Lives On

Eli Manning bucked convention and chose to attend Ole Miss even with Peyton's success at rival Tennessee. He wanted to honor his father Archie by helping restore glory to his alma mater. Manning accomplished that goal in becoming the greatest player in Ole Miss history whose #10 jersey remains iconic. Although Cooper did not play there, the entire Manning family is engrained in Rebels lore for generations to come.

FAQs

Why did Eli Manning choose to attend Ole Miss?

Eli Manning wanted to forge his own path separate from his brother Peyton's career at Tennessee. He also wanted to honor his father Archie by playing for Archie's alma mater Ole Miss.

What records did Eli Manning break at Ole Miss?

Manning became the SEC's all-time leader in career passing yards (10,119) and touchdowns (81) while at Ole Miss. He also holds several single-season school records.

What awards did Eli Manning win in college?

Manning won the Maxwell Award as the nation's best college player in 2003. He also was SEC Freshman of the Year in 2000 and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 2003.

Is Eli Manning's number retired at Ole Miss?

Yes, Ole Miss retired Eli Manning's #10 jersey number. A Manning statue honoring Eli, Archie, and Cooper also stands outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.