ESPN REPORT: Tennessee Vols great Peyton Manning has been voted the greatest college football player of all time, surpassing Georgia’s Herschel Walker, the Florida Gators’ Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin of

ESPN REPORT: Tennessee Volunteers legend Peyton Manning has been voted the greatest college football player of all time, according to a recent ESPN poll that included fans, analysts, and former players. Manning, who played for the Vols from 1994 to 1997, beat out other all-time greats such as Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Ohio State’s Archie Griffin—the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice.

 

While Manning never captured a national title during his college career, he set numerous school and SEC records and led Tennessee to an SEC Championship. His leadership, consistency, and on-field intelligence earned him a lasting legacy in college football history. Despite going on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career, it’s his contributions to Tennessee and the college game that voters praised most.

Many credited Manning’s impact off the field as well, noting his role as an ambassador for the sport and his enduring connection with the University of Tennessee. The ESPN poll result sparked lively debate, but most agreed that Manning’s excellence, sportsmanship, and influence made him a worthy pick for the top spot in college football history.