Peyton Manning may be a household name in football circles everywhere, but there’s no mistaking where his loyalty lies when it comes to college football. The Tennessee legend has never shied away from repping his alma mater, and he made that abundantly clear once again during a recent appearance at the Memorial Tournament in Columbus, Ohio. With Ohio State fans scattered throughout the event and Buckeye pride running deep in the host city, Manning found the perfect moment to tip his cap—not just to the tournament, but to the orange-clad faithful of Tennessee. His comments were brief but unmistakably pointed, and they were rooted in something that still echoes through Vols Nation: that unforgettable Tennessee vs. Ohio State game.
During a lighthearted segment at the prestigious PGA Tour event hosted by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, Manning was chatting with onlookers and commentators, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the tournament. As he greeted the crowd and shared some laughs, someone from the gallery shouted, “O-H!” in reference to the classic “O-H!” “I-O!” cheer known across Buckeye country. Without missing a beat, Manning smiled, paused for effect, and said, “Go Vols!”
The moment sparked laughter and scattered applause, but for Tennessee fans, it meant a whole lot more. It wasn’t just a playful jab. It was a calculated, good-natured reminder of what happened the last time the Vols and Buckeyes faced off in a high-stakes game. And it instantly reignited the pride and passion of Tennessee fans who remembered that night vividly—the night the Vols left the field victorious over one of the biggest brands in college football.
Manning’s quip may have seemed spontaneous, but it was deeply rooted in context. The 2024 season matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State was more than just a game; it was a statement. When the Volunteers met the Buckeyes on the national stage, many pundits expected Ohio State’s power and pedigree to overpower Tennessee. But what unfolded was a thrilling, grit-fueled contest that ended with Tennessee stunning the Buckeyes in front of a national audience. It was a program-defining win that reinvigorated the Tennessee fanbase and served as a loud declaration that the Vols were no longer just a team from the past—they were here, and they were contenders.
That win still resonates within the Tennessee community, and it certainly hasn’t been forgotten by one of the program’s most iconic alumni. Peyton Manning, who played for the Volunteers from 1994 to 1997, remains one of the most beloved figures in the school’s history. He’s more than just a legendary quarterback—he’s a symbol of the pride, excellence, and unrelenting spirit that define Tennessee football. So when he name-dropped the Vols in Columbus—just a stone’s throw from Ohio State’s campus—it felt personal. And deliberate.
For Manning, who was raised in a football family and built his reputation on poise under pressure, moments like these are more than just fun banter. They’re about honoring tradition and representing the people and places that shaped him. By dropping that “Go Vols” line in the middle of Buckeye country, Manning was giving a knowing nod to every Tennessee fan who still gets chills thinking about that game. He knew the power of that moment—and he knew exactly what he was doing.
The atmosphere at the Memorial Tournament was, as always, electric. Held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, the event is one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour. With Jack Nicklaus as the host and a field stacked with golf’s biggest names, the tournament always draws a passionate crowd. But that passion often leans heavily toward Ohio State pride. Fans wear scarlet and gray, chants echo from hole to hole, and Buckeye pride is on full display. For Manning to walk into that environment and toss out a shoutout to Tennessee was bold, classic, and entirely on brand.
It also speaks to Manning’s enduring connection with Tennessee football. Despite his massive success in the NFL and his post-football ventures, including his ever-growing presence in the entertainment and media world, Manning has remained fiercely loyal to the Volunteers. He regularly attends games, supports the program publicly, and serves as a mentor to players and coaches alike. His fingerprints are still all over Knoxville, and he carries that pride with him wherever he goes—even into enemy territory.
For Vols fans, hearing Manning rep Tennessee in Columbus was more than just validation—it was a rallying cry. It reminded them that their school, their team, and their legacy still matter on the biggest stages. It was a spark that reignited the spirit of one of the most passionate fan bases in college sports. And it came at a time when Tennessee is aiming to build on recent success and climb even higher on the national stage.
The Tennessee-Ohio State rivalry isn’t a traditional one, and the two programs have only met a handful of times. But the most recent clash turned heads across the college football world. Tennessee’s blend of high-octane offense, relentless defense, and unshakable confidence was too much for the Buckeyes that night. And as the game ended, it wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about a power shift. The Vols had arrived, and they had done it against one of college football’s perennial powers.
Manning’s shoutout brought all of that flooding back. In just two words—“Go Vols”—he reawakened the memory of a game that meant so much to the Tennessee faithful. It was a reminder that legends never forget where they came from, and they never miss an opportunity to stand up for their people. Especially when it comes to beating Ohio State.
It also speaks to the unique bond between college athletes and their schools. Manning has every reason to distance himself from the college game. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, a Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. Yet he chooses to stay connected to Tennessee. He chooses to speak up, to support, to engage. And in doing so, he sets an example for younger players who look up to him—not just for his football prowess, but for his character, loyalty, and humility.
In Columbus, Manning could have played it safe. He could’ve nodded politely, smiled at the Buckeye chants, and stayed neutral. But that’s not who he is. Instead, he leaned into the moment, owned it, and delivered a message that resonated far beyond the fairways of Muirfield Village. He reminded everyone that Tennessee football is alive and well—and that the pride of the orange runs deep.
As the crowd laughed and clapped and the moment passed, Manning’s words still hung in the air. It was subtle, it was brief, but it landed like a thunderclap. “Go Vols.” Simple. Unapologetic. Proud.
