In a historic and widely celebrated recognition, ESPN has reported that Tennessee Volunteers legend Peyton Manning has been voted the greatest college football player of all time. This honor places him above a pantheon of college football icons, including Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin of Ohio State.
Manning, who played quarterback for the University of Tennessee from 1994 to 1997, left an indelible mark on college football. Known for his cerebral approach to the game, pinpoint accuracy, and unparalleled leadership, he became the face of the Tennessee program and a national sensation during his college years. While Manning famously never won the Heisman Trophy — finishing second in 1997 to Michigan’s Charles Woodson — his career numbers and impact on the sport speak for themselves.
During his time in Knoxville, Manning passed for 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns, setting numerous SEC and school records. He led the Volunteers to an SEC Championship in 1997 and helped restore Tennessee’s place among the nation’s football elite. More than just stats, Manning was revered for his work ethic, maturity, and football IQ — traits that carried over into a Hall of Fame NFL career.
What sets this ESPN recognition apart is the acknowledgment of a player’s overall influence, leadership, and legacy beyond just trophies. While players like Tebow and Griffin have their own compelling cases — with Tebow’s two national championships and Griffin’s unmatched Heisman double — Manning’s consistency, class, and long-lasting impact on the college game make him a deserving choice.
Fans of the Tennessee Volunteers and football purists alike are celebrating the news. Peyton Manning’s name has long been synonymous with excellence, and now he holds a new title to add to his illustrious career — the greatest college football player of all time.
