Where Did Eli Manning Play College Football?

By Sarah Miller · April 7, 2035

Eli Manning played college football at the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, where he was the starting quarterback from 2001 to 2003.

Who Is Eli Manning?

Eli Manning is a former professional American football quarterback best known for his tenure with the New York Giants in the NFL. Born on January 3, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning comes from a prominent football family. His father, Archie Manning, was also an NFL quarterback, and his brother Peyton Manning had a Hall of Fame career. Eli followed in their footsteps, establishing his own legacy through collegiate and professional success.

College Career at Ole Miss

Eli Manning committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1999, choosing to stay close to home rather than attend other major programs. Although he redshirted his freshman year, he became the Rebels' starting quarterback in 2001 and remained the starter through the 2003 season.

Key Highlights of Eli Manning's College Career

Started 39 games during his three seasons as Ole Miss's quarterback
Finished his college career with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes
Two-time finalist for the Maxwell Award, recognizing the top player in college football
Named First-Team All-American by The Sporting News in 2003
Three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, reflecting his academic dedication

Performance Statistics at Ole Miss

Season	Games Played	Passing Yards	Touchdowns	Interceptions	Completion %	Rating
2001	11	3,237	26	14	62.3%	137.7
2002	12	3,485	25	14	61.8%	138.4
2003	12	3,397	30	11	64.2%	149.2
Career	35	10,119	81	39	62.8%	141.8

Table data source:Ole Miss Athletics, Sports Reference

The table above shows consistent performance across all three seasons. Eli Manning improved his passer rating each year, peaking in 2003 with a 149.2 rating. His ability to reduce interceptions while increasing touchdowns demonstrated significant growth and command of the offense.

Manning led Ole Miss to three consecutive bowl appearances: the 2002 Independence Bowl, 2003 Cotton Bowl, and 2004 Music City Bowl. His leadership helped elevate the program’s national profile during his tenure.

NFL Draft and Legacy

Despite not winning a national championship at Ole Miss, Eli Manning’s collegiate performance made him a top prospect. He was selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft but was immediately traded to the New York Giants, where he would go on to win two Super Bowls (XLII and XLVI), both with victories over the New England Patriots.

Ole Miss retired Manning’s jersey number (#10) in 2016, honoring his contributions to the school’s football history. He remains one of the most celebrated players in program history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eli Manning's College Career

Where did Eli Manning play college football?

Eli Manning played college football at the University of Mississippi, widely known as Ole Miss, from 2001 to 2003.

Did Eli Manning win any awards in college?

Yes, Eli Manning was named First-Team All-American by The Sporting News in 2003 and was a two-time finalist for the Maxwell Award. He also earned multiple SEC Academic Honor Roll recognitions.

How many passing yards did Eli Manning have at Ole Miss?

Eli Manning accumulated 10,119 passing yards during his college career at Ole Miss, making him one of the most prolific passers in SEC history at the time.

What years did Eli Manning play at Ole Miss?

Eli Manning played for Ole Miss from 2001 to 2003, serving as the starting quarterback for three full seasons after redshirting in 1999.

Why didn't Eli Manning play for LSU or another SEC school?

Although LSU showed interest, Eli chose Ole Miss to follow in the family tradition—his father Archie Manning was a legendary quarterback there. The decision allowed him to continue the family legacy in Oxford.