Eli Manning Falls Short of Hall of Fame Induction in 2026

Giants legend fails to make final cut for second straight year, facing stiff QB competition ahead

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP who led the New York Giants to iconic championship victories, did not make the final cut for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class. According to reports, Manning was not even close to being selected, marking the second consecutive year he has fallen short of induction despite his celebrated career accomplishments.

Why it matters

Manning's exclusion from the Hall of Fame has sparked renewed debate over his polarizing legacy, with supporters highlighting his postseason heroics and detractors pointing to his regular-season inconsistencies. As the logjam of elite quarterbacks on the ballot grows, Manning's path to Canton appears increasingly challenging.

The details

Manning finished his career with 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns, but also had a 117-117 regular-season record and 244 interceptions. His two Super Bowl MVP awards for leading the Giants to upsets of the undefeated New England Patriots are the highlights of his resume, but the Hall of Fame selection committee did not deem him a top-10 finalist this year.

  • Eli Manning became eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his second year of eligibility.
  • The Hall of Fame selection committee announced the 2026 class on February 6, 2026.

The players

Eli Manning

A two-time Super Bowl MVP who spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the New York Giants, leading the team to iconic championship victories over the New England Patriots.

Ben Roethlisberger

The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who is expected to become eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027, adding to the logjam of elite quarterbacks on the ballot.

Tom Brady

Considered the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady is set to hit the Hall of Fame ballot in 2028, further complicating Manning's path to induction.

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What they’re saying

“Eli Manning did not just miss the cut for the 2026 class; he wasn't particularly close.”

— Ari Meirov, NFL insider (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

With Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady joining the Hall of Fame ballot in the coming years, the competition for quarterbacks is expected to intensify, making it increasingly difficult for Eli Manning to earn induction.

The takeaway

Eli Manning's exclusion from the Hall of Fame, despite his two iconic Super Bowl victories, highlights the challenges of evaluating a quarterback's legacy. As the pool of elite passers on the ballot grows, Manning's path to Canton appears increasingly uncertain, sparking ongoing debate over his place in NFL history.