Eli Manning is a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame once again.
The former Giants quarterback is among the 26 candidates for the class of 2026 who advanced to the semifinalist portion of the voting in the modern-era players category, the Hall announced Tuesday.
Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, is in his second year on the ballot. He was a finalist last year but was not elected.
This year’s group of semifinalists includes two other quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, both of whom are in their first year of eligibility.
The other newcomers on the list are wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore.
Among the 19 returning semifinalists are offensive lineman Willie Anderson, receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri, all of whom were guaranteed to reach this stage after finishing within the top seven of voting last year.
Tuesday’s group of modern-era nominees was whittled down from an original pool of 167. It will be cut down to 15 finalists later this year.
Manning is one of six players in NFL history to win Super Bowl MVP at least twice, along with Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Patrick Mahomes, Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw.
Montana, Starr and Bradshaw are Hall of Famers, while Brady is set to become eligible in 2028 and Mahomes is still active.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Manning ranks 11th in NFL history in passing yards (57,203) and passing touchdowns (366). He never missed a game due to injury during his 16-year career from 2004-19, at one point making 210 consecutive starts.
But Manning faces stiff competition this year.
Brees, who ranks second in NFL history in passing yards (80,358) and touchdowns (571), is expected to be a first-ballot inductee, as is Fitzgerald, who ranks second all time in catches (1,432) and receiving yards (7,492).
Offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, receivers Reggie Wayne and Steve Smith Sr., linebacker Terrell Suggs, running back Fred Taylor and defensive back Darren Woodson are all semifinalists again after being finalists for the class of 2025.
Between four and eight candidates are inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame every year, with nominees from the seniors category of voting also considered.
Tom Coughlin, who was Manning’s head coach for the Giants’ victories in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, is a semifinalist in the coaching category.
Last year, pass rusher Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen and tight end Antonio Gates were the Hall’s modern-era selections, while wide receiver Sterling Sharpe was selected by the senior committee voters.
This year’s class will be unveiled at the “NFL Honors” ceremony in February.
