Eli Manning Recalled Collegiate Success Against Vanderbilt
The former quarterback reflected on his perfect record against the Commodores as Ole Miss prepares to face them this Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
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Eli Manning looked back on his undefeated collegiate career against Vanderbilt, highlighting his 2003 senior season performance. The record-setting quarterback maintains strong ties to the university following his retirement.
Why it matters
Manning remains a central figure in the program history of Ole Miss, and his past dominance against specific rivals like Vanderbilt continues to resonate with fans.
Eli Manning finished his Ole Miss career with 567 completions and 55 touchdown passes, including a 24-21 victory over Vanderbilt in 2003. Ole Miss currently holds a streak of five consecutive wins against the Commodores.
The players
Eli Manning
He is a former collegiate and professional quarterback who played for Ole Miss and later became a legendary figure in the university football program.
Mike Espy
He was the wide receiver who caught the pass that allowed Eli Manning to set the Ole Miss career completions record.
Ole Miss
This is the university athletic department and football program where Eli Manning played before his professional career.
Vanderbilt
This university maintains a long-standing football rivalry with the Ole Miss program.
The details
During his final season in 2003, Manning threw for 275 yards against Vanderbilt, going 22-of-33. He notably broke the Ole Miss school career completions record during that contest with an eight-yard pass to Mike Espy.
Timeline
1894 saw Vanderbilt defeat Ole Miss by a score of 40-0.
2003 was the year Eli Manning established the school career completions record.
2010 marked Manning's $1 million donation to the university scholarship program.
2021 was the year the university officially retired Manning's No. 10 jersey.
Saturday serves as the date for the upcoming game against Vanderbilt.
Season Trajectory
This reflection on historical dominance underscores the standard of performance expected as Ole Miss continues its current streak against conference opponents. The team's momentum against Vanderbilt sets the tone for future tests, including a high-profile upcoming game against Texas.
Ole Miss enters this week's game riding a streak of eight wins in its last ten matchups against Vanderbilt. Fans should note the five-game win streak as the team shifts focus toward the upcoming Texas contest.
The takeaway
Manning's legacy continues to influence the program culture at Ole Miss well beyond his playing days. His historic success against rivals like Vanderbilt serves as a reminder of the standards expected for future success on the field.
What happens next
Ole Miss is scheduled to play Texas in Week 8 of the season.
Further reading
For more on the current team's performance, see Oxford Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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