"This is not the last": Former NFL star Peyton Manning makes huge declaration about Tennessee following Vols' 2024 CWS finals victory

After a win against the Texas A&M Aggies in Game 3 of the College World Series, the Tennessee community was buzzing—especially Peyton Manning.

The Hall of Fame quarterback had a successful collegiate career with the Vols, and he was present to see their baseball team win its first national title on Monday.

In the aftermath of the 6-5 victory, Manning was seen rocking the team's apparel on the field. Filled with emotion, he declared:

"This is not the last. Tennessee is coming in all sports."

As for Tennessee's football program, their last national title was in 1998 when they won against the Florida State Seminoles (23-16) in the first-ever Bowl Championship Series.

Did Peyton Manning win a national title at Tennessee?

Manning played for Tennessee from 1994 to 1997, and received several accolades during his stay. This included the SEC Freshman of the Year Award (1994), the SEC Player of the Year Award (1997), two first team All-SEC selections, one second team All-SEC selection and a consensus All-American selection. Among all those achievements, he missed out on a national title.

His highest team achievement came during his senior year in 1997, when he led them to an SEC championship over Auburn. The following year, the Vols clinched the natty but "the Sheriff" was no longer with the team; he had moved to the NFL after being selected as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 draft.

Tony Vitello on winning the national championship with the Tennessee Vols

When Tony Vitello took over in 2017, he transformed the Tennessee Volunteers into the nation's top program. Prior to his arrival, the school had only four College World Series appearances (1951, 1995, 2001 and 2005). They now have three more to add alongside a national title.

But in spite of these feats, Vitello would be the first to admit that the achievement was not because of one individual; it was because of the entire university. During their celebratory program on Tuesday, he addressed the community:

"It’s phenomenal, and I hate to single out one person, because this state is unquestionably about unity, this University is about unity, Knoxville is about unity. And the best representation I’ve ever seen in my life of unity is the group that’s on this stage right now, for sure."

The path to the next season starts soon. Tennessee will undoubtedly lose some players during the upcoming MLB Draft, and it is up to Vitello and his staff to make the necessary adjustments.