Social media users are sharing a viral post that claims Donald Trump will head to Saturday’s Texas-Tennessee football matchup alongside former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
WASHINGTON, DC: A popular online post asserts that President Donald Trump plans to attend the upcoming Texas-Tennessee game accompanied by Peyton Manning. Featuring what looks like a screenshot from Trump’s official Truth Social profile, the post also suggests the president is predicting a Tennessee victory. Let’s look closer at the facts behind this rumor.
Claim: Trump to attend Texas-Tennessee game with Peyton Manning
Trump is indeed scheduled to be at the game on Saturday, September 26, and his upcoming presence has naturally fueled online speculation. Among the chatter, a viral image surfaced purporting to show a genuine statement from his Truth Social account.
The fake message states: “I will be attending the ‘Battle of UT’ down in the beautiful city of Knoxville, Tennessee. I have always been a huge fan of Neyland Stadium, the loudest and greatest stadium in the world, named after the greatest military general of all time, Robert Neyland.”
It goes on to say, “I will be accompanied by the great Peyton Manning, and we will watch his ‘not as good’ nephew. The fake (news) media has ranked Texas 1, but I think Faizon and the Vols will win Biggly!”
The fabricated post wraps up with a signature phrase often used by Trump: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Fact Check: False; the viral screenshot is entirely fabricated
The rumor is entirely untrue, as the viral image is a completely doctored screenshot designed to look like a legitimate Truth Social update.
Outlets like Heavy and Yahoo Sports have reviewed the image, confirming it was manufactured and that no such statement ever appeared on Trump’s actual account.
Meanwhile, the University of Tennessee has released official game-day notices acknowledging that Trump is expected to be present, while advising fans to prepare for heightened security measures.
While Peyton Manning will also be in Knoxville for the game, there is zero proof that he and Trump plan to attend together. Manning is slated to take part in Pat McAfee’s kicking contest as part of ESPN’s broadcast and will be watching his nephew, Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
The fraudulent screenshot also invents quotes regarding Tennessee beating Texas, references to Arch Manning, and remarks about Faizon Robinson.
The reason the fake post gained traction is that it cleverly weaves together several genuine elements surrounding the event. For instance, ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast live from Knoxville, and actor Johnny Knoxville is set to make an appearance as the guest picker.
Ultimately, the viral post splices real facts—such as Trump’s attendance and Manning’s trip to the game—with completely made-up dialogue. There is no evidence indicating that Trump ever published the words seen in the circulating image.