Who is the best Tennessee football player of all time? Closer look at Vols' record books

Tennessee football is a storied program in the world of college football. A lot of great players have graced the program over time, contributing immensely to its rich history. However, the greatest of them all is Peyton Manning, the son of college football great, Archie Manning.

Peyton started his college football career at Tennessee in 1994. Many had expected him to commit to Ole Miss, where his father starred. However, the highly rated quarterback picked the Volunteers, sparking the fury and anger of many Rebels fans at his parents.

His career with the Volunteers was a great one, as he established himself as one of the greatest to ever play the game at the collegiate level. In four years in Knoxville, he left an indelible mark on the program.

Peyton Manning’s career at Tennessee

UCLA vs. Tennessee - Source: Getty

Peyton Manning enrolled for his freshman season at Tennessee in 1994 following a brilliant high school career. He began the season as a third-string quarterback.

However, injuries to Jerry Colquitt and Todd Helton (who went on to become a Baseball Hall of Famer) handed him the starting role later in the season, an opportunity he took to impress. Manning ended his freshman season with 1,141 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.

Manning became the starter in 1995. He led the Volunteers to their first 10-win season in six years with an 11-1 finish. He threw for 2,954 yards and 22 touchdowns with four interceptions.

There were a lot of hopes ahead of his junior season, and he didn't disappoint. He led the Volunteers to another brilliant season under Phillip Fulmer, finishing with a 10-2 record. Manning recorded 3,287 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.

While Peyton Manning was projected to be the first pick in the 1997 NFL draft, he returned for his senior season. It ended up being his best season in college football as he threw for 3,819 yards and 36 touchdowns and engaged in a heated Heisman Trophy race with eventual winner Charles Woodson, a safety for national champion Michigan.

Peyton Manning’s accolades in college football

Peyton Manning - Source: Getty

With his illustrious collegiate career at Tennessee, Peyton Manning earned a lot of honors and accolades.

Manning was a two-time first-team All-Southeastern Conference, two-time third-team All-American and a consensus All-American. He also won the SEC Freshman of the Year and SEC Player of the Year during his time in Knoxville.

The quarterback also won the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and a host of others.

Following his career at Tennessee, his No. 16 jersey was retired by the school. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017, making Archie and Peyton Manning the first father and son to earn the honors. Peyton, a two-time Super Bowl winner, was also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.