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Peyton Manning on Tennessee baseball, Tony Vitello, Omaha and College World Series

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3 weeks ago

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“Omaha!” That was the iconic call that former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning would shout during an NFL game, a signal to his offensive line that the play was about to change. 

And now, for the third time, Manning returned to Omaha, Nebraska, to cheer on his alma mater Tennessee in the College World Series. The Vols defeated Florida State in their first game Friday at Charles Schwab Field. 

“Omaha is kind of a second home to me,” Manning told ESPN. “So people are nice to me. My son also plays in a youth baseball tournament here around this time. To watch your son play in the morning, then watch your alma mater play at night. … I don’t know how you beat that. Omaha’s done an incredible thing here. It is everything it’s been built up to be, and I’m honored to be here.”

Manning had high praise for Vols coach Tony Vitello, who’s been with the program since 2018.

“What Tony Vitello has done year in and year out, winning 50 games, it’s really incredible,” Manning said. “Players want to play for him, and they play hard for him. That’s the ultimate compliment you could pay your head coach — when your players will do anything for you. We’re honored to have him here in Knoxville.”

Manning attended UT’s games against Texas in 2021 and LSU in 2023, both of which Tennessee lost. But this time, there was a different outcome, proving the Vols can win with Manning in the stands.

The Vols won 12-11 after scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, including a walk-off hit by Dylan Dreiling. 

Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is a legend among the quarterbacks who have played at Tennessee. His record speaks for itself. He was 39-6 as a starter and still holds the school’s touchdown passes record with 89, along with the passing yards record at 11,201.

In 1998, the Colts selected Manning No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

“Omaha!” which was once merely a play-call Manning used to shout, is now a production company he owns. 

ADAMS: Tennessee baseball’s clutch hitting turns the impossible into possible vs FSU

In 2021, ESPN partnered with Omaha Productions to produce “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli,” more commonly known as the “Manningcast,” where the Manning brothers break down games live.

ESPN and Omaha Productions recently signed a new deal through 2034.

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