Ole Miss Heisman Trophy Finalist

When it comes to colleges producing Heisman Trophy winner, Ole Miss is one of the top college programs still seeking their first winner of college football's top individual award. Although the Rebels are still seeking their first stiff-armed trophy, Ole Miss has produced Heisman finalist that have come close to hoisting the famed bronze trophy!

Ole Miss Finalist	Year - Place	Heisman Winner - College
Carlie Conerly	1947 - 4th	John Lujack - Notre Dame
Jake Gibbs	1960 - 3rd	Joe Bellino - Navy
Archie Manning	1969 - 4th	Steve Owens - Oklahoma
Archie Manning	1970 - 3rd	Jim Plunkett - Stanford
Eli Manning	2003 - 3rd	Jason White - Oklahoma

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Charlie Conerly Battled for Ole Miss and the USA

The Ole Miss star finished behind Notre Dame's John Lujack (742 points), Michigan's Bob Chappuis (555 points) and SMU's Doak Walker (196 points). Conerly began his Rebels career in 1942, but left Oxford to serve as a Marine in World War II where he would see combat in the Battle of Guam

Following the war, Conerly returned to college football and helped the Rebels capture their first SEC championship in 1947. Although playing halfback, Conerly handled all of the team's passing chores and earned consensus All-American honors while leading the nation in passing., Conerly was also named the 1947 SEC Player of the Year after guiding Ole Miss to a 9-2 record.

Conerly Was A Smoking Hot Giant

As an NFL quarterback, Charley Conerly was one of the most successful quarterbacks of his time, and was a leader both on the field and in the locker room. He earned respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike for his talent, skill, and tenacity. His impressive stats speak for themselves; Conerly led the Giants to three NFL Championship games in four seasons (1956, 1958–1959), including a 47–7 victory over the Chicago Bears in the 1956 NFL Championship Game. He was also named NFL "Rookie of the Year" in 1948, and was selected to two Pro Bowls (1950 and 1956). On top of that, Conerly was awarded with NFL's Most Valuable Player award in 1959 by the Newspaper Enterprise Association. Conerly played his whole career with the Giants who retired his No. 42 jersey

Conerly was also the original Marlboro Man, appearing in the Marlboro ads from 1955–1957. He had a noteworthy presence outside of football as well, making several appearances in movies such as Jonathan Winters' The Lively Set (1964), and a notable appearance as himself in The Best of Everything (1959).

Gibbs Left the Rebels to Become a Yankee

Heisman Finish: 1960 - 3rd Place with (453 points) - Gibbs finished behind Navy's Joe Bellino (1,793 points) and Minnesota's Tom Brown (731 points). Gibbs gained 74 first place votes. Gibbs flourished his senior season with the Rebels as he guided Johnny Vaught's squad to a 10-0-1 record and a Football Writers Association of America National Championship.

Along with being named the SEC Player of the Year, the Grenada, MS native was named to the 1960 College Football All-America Team. Gibbs passed for 970 yards and 12 TD's in 1960.

Despite being drafted by the NFL and AFL, Gibbs pursued pro baseball after college. Gibbs played a decade as a catcher for the NY Yankees and later returned to Oxford to coach the Rebels baseball team.

Ole Miss legend Archie Manning was a Heisman Finalist in 1969 and 1970

Archie Manning was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with during his college football career at Ole Miss. Manning's impressive stats in 1969 and 1970 are a testament to his skill as a quarterback and demonstrate how he became a Heisman finalist. In 1969, he threw for over 1,800 yards, rushed for over 400 yards, and scored 20 total touchdowns, while leading Ole Miss to an 8-3 record. The following year, he improved his performance, throwing for over 2,400 yards, rushing for 430 yards, and scoring 23 total touchdowns, guiding Ole Miss to a 9-2 record. With such incredible stats, it's no wonder that Manning was a Heisman finalist two years in a row. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history is certainly well-deserved.

Heisman Voting in 1969 and 1970

Archie Manning Heisman Finish 1969 - 4th place with (582 points) - Manning finished behind Oklahoma's Steve Owens (1,488 points), Purdue's Mike Phipps (1,334 points), Ohio State's Rex Kern (856 points). Manning received 120 first place votes.

Heisman Finish 1970 - 3rd place with (849 points), Manning finished behind Stanford's Jim Plunkett (2,229 points) and Notre Dame's Joe Theismann (1,410 points). Manning earned 138 first place votes.

A Saintly and Super Legacy

Manning was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 2nd pick of the 1971 NFL Draft and quickly became the face of the franchise. Despite playing for some poor teams, Archie was a 2x Pro Bowl selection and was the 1978 NFC Offensive Player of the Year.

Sons Peyton and Eli followed Manning into the NFL after stellar collegiate careers. Before their NFL careers were completed the both guided teams to two Super Bowl championships.

Fans Were Excited that "Eli Was Coming"

Eli Manning Heisman Finish 2003 - 3rd place (710 points). Manning finished behind Oklahoma's Jason White (1,481 points) and Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald (1,353 points). Manning earned 95 first place votes.

While not winning the Heisman, Manning did win the 2003 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Maxwell Award. The youngest manning was also named the 2003 SEC Player of the Year. Manning had a prolific senior season for the Rebels as he passed for 3,600 yards and 29 TD passes while leading his squad to a 10-3 record.

The Rebels finished the season ranked 13th after defeating Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl. While in Oxford, Eli set or tied 45 single season and career records.

Manning was drafted by San Diego with the first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, but was traded to the New York Giants. Manning made a Giant impact in the NFL, leading New York to, two Super Bowl championships (XLII and XLVI).

The Giants quarterback also earned MVP honors after both championship wins. Manning retired from the Giants holding the record for most career TD passes in franchise history.