David Pollack Shares Comment on Marshall Manning Following High School Debut

Georgia Bulldogs legend David Pollack quickly identified that Marshall Manning was the son of Tennessee Volunteers legend Peyton Manning.

Baylor’s Marshall Manning (16) watches his team set up to face Brentwood Academy during the first half at Baylor in Chattanooga, Tenn., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Marshall Manning, the son of Peyton Manning, has made headlines for about a year now, as he has been attending Baylor, a school in Tennessee. He is a quarterback just like his dad and is now a freshman in high school.

While the talented athlete has yet to earn a starting role, he has had the opportunity to see the field. This caught David Pollack's attention, as he shared his thoughts on how he could tell Marshall was the son of Peyton Manning.

David Pollack Shares His Thoughts on Marshall Manning

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) ESPN broadcaster David Pollack before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Utah Utes at the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Could’ve told you he was Peyton’s son just by watching him jog after the play," David Pollack said on his X account.

Could’ve told you he was Peyton’s son just by watching him jog after the play https://t.co/WlVvVRK9Dg

— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) August 21, 2026

This comment came following his first high school pass attempt and completion of his career. The talented quarterback is a 2030 prospect from the state of Tennessee, and he plays for Baylor High School. He is the backup quarterback, but Erik Kimrey, head coach for Baylor High School, has made it clear that he has hopes the talented quarterback can still contribute.

Manning has been the backup to Keegan Croucher, an Ole Miss commit who moved to Chattanooga to play for the Red Raiders. He was originally with Cheshire Academy, but will now be the face of the quarterback room for the Red Raiders in his final season. As for Manning, his role is much larger than the typical backup, which is to be expected when it comes to who he is and who he has been coached by.

Peyton Manning's Support

Tennessee freshman quarterback Peyton Manning (16), making his first start, is being pressure by Washington State defender Chad Eaton (90). Manning completed 7 of 14 passes for 79 yards in leading the Vols to a 10-9 victory over No. 17 ranked Washington State before a homecoming crowd of 95,556 at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 1, 1994. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

His father, Peyton Manning, has been supportive of Marshall the entire time throughout his Baylor career. Marshall, who was deemed ineligible last season, was still with the team as an 8th grader. He was able to travel, and even then Manning was a supportive piece that the young gunslinger needed. That is going to ramp up when it comes to the future, as he is expected to be the starter for this team as early as next season, as he will serve as a sophomore starter for the Red Raiders.

Manning's first game was solid, although he didn't have the chance to play very long. He showcased his ability to escape the pocket, along with throwing on the run, which are two key traits that are needed to be a solid quarterback, especially when it comes to playing the best teams the state of Tennessee has to offer.

Marshall Manning is now taking snaps at QB.

He is the son of #Vols and NFL legend Peyton Manning. pic.twitter.com/ZnQw3bw7UH

— Caleb Sisk (@CalebSisk_) August 8, 2026

One of the coolest things about the fact that Manning was on the field was that he was repping his dad's old football number. Not just any number, considering Peyton wore 18 in the NFL, his college number. That number being arguably the biggest number in Tennessee Volunteers' sports history, the No. 16.

This was a special moment for everyone to see who he is, even as a freshman, while also getting the chance to remember how big an impact his dad had on the game of football. The youngest Manning still has a long way to go, but it is safe to say that Tennessee fans are locked in on his development.