Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Peyton Manning couldn’t help but give Vols fans a shoutout at the Memorial Tournament in Columbus and it had everything to do with the Ohio State game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 29, 2025 7:48 PM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers took a step forward last season under head coach Josh Heupel by making the College Football Playoff, where they fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round.

Tennessee earned its spot in the playoff, and the fanbase responded with passion — clearly evident by the sea of orange that showed up in Columbus.

A 42-17 final score was a tough way to end the season for the Vols, in what turned out to be Nico Iamaleava’s final game with Tennessee. Speaking of quarterbacks, former Vols great Peyton Manning was in Columbus this week at the Memorial Golf Tournament and took a moment to reflect on that December matchup and the city itself.

“Columbus has been great. Great sports fans here,” Manning said in an interview. “Obviously, my Volunteers came up here this past winter and didn’t play too well. We had a great turnout, great fan support — hopefully we’ll learn from it. Great town here, great host. I always enjoy being back here.”

Despite the #Tennessee orange, Peyton Manning says his go to @MemorialGolf milkshake order is the #Buckeye flavor. He also said he hit a golf cart and almost hit a guy in the forehead today. Plus, he gave praise to Ryan Day and is ready for August 30th in the Shoe.

What a day… pic.twitter.com/32VTyyTkxX
— Nicole Shearin (@NicoleShearintv) May 28, 2025

Ohio State held the Vols to just 256 yards, while putting up 473 of their own. Tennessee didn’t get on the scoreboard until it was already 21-0, and a 21-10 halftime deficit ballooned to 42-10 by the fourth quarter. A late touchdown by the Vols made the final score slightly more respectable.

In the inaugural season of the expanded College Football Playoff format, Tennessee helped showcase how exciting first-round games can be on campus sites. Vols fans made their presence felt, and even though the result wasn’t ideal, Peyton Manning made sure to applaud the support.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peyton Manning (@peytonmanning)

Now, all eyes are on the future as Tennessee looks to move on from the Iamaleava era sooner than expected and prepare for a new starting quarterback in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: