“Most kids that are highly recruited, if they don’t play in their first or second year, they usually transfer out,” Peyton Manning said back in 2025. “It’s why I went to Tennessee, I wanted to go to school there. It’s why Arch went to Texas, because he wanted to go to Texas, and play for Steve Sarkisian.”

Coach Sarkisian is well known for his offensive-minded approach and has helped develop quarterbacks such as Quinn Ewers, who eventually made his way to the NFL after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Manning, meanwhile, appears to be making the most of his talent at Texas.

Some have also suggested that Arch sought, in some way, to take a different path from his uncles. Joining Tennessee, or the Ole Miss Rebels like Eli, might have meant carrying an additional level of pressure, whereas beginning his college career at Texas allowed him to start from a clean slate.

Sarkisian is a great ally for Arch

Steve Sarkisian is pretty much the ultimate head coach to unlock Arch Manning’s full potential, operating as one of the sharpest offensive minds and quarterback developers in all of college football. Sark’s play-calling genius—built on heavy pre-snap motion, clever play-action schemes, and NFL-style spatial concepts—creates a high-powered scheme tailor-made for a quarterback with Arch’s processing speed and big arm.

Beyond the playbook, Sarkisian’s proven track record of refining elite passers and managing high-stakes pressure gives Arch the perfect environment to sharpen his mechanics, read defenses like a pro, and comfortably step into the family legacy without missing a beat.

Peyton’s legacy at Tennessee

Peyton Manning’s time with the Tennessee Volunteers is the ultimate blueprint for college football royalty, defined by elite preparation and absolute mastery of the SEC. Stepping in as a freshman in 1994, he quickly transformed the Vols into a national powerhouse, steering Knoxville through a golden era while racking up a dominant 39-6 record as a starter.

Over his four-year run, Peyton shredded defenses to the tune of 11,201 passing yards and 89 touchdowns—both school records—while orchestrating offenses with the kind of pre-snap chess moves that would later become his NFL trademark.

His legendary college path peaked in 1997 when he led Tennessee to an SEC Championship, swept individual honors by winning the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards, finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, and cemented #16 as an untouchable icon in Rocky Top history.

Eli made his mark at Ole Miss

Taking on the Ole Miss quarterback job with the surname “Manning” on his jersey meant Eli was under the microscope from day one, but he handled the Oxford pressure like an absolute natural. Instead of being defined by his lineage, he completely reset expectations for Rebels football, elevating the program with his smooth pocket presence, clutch gene, and ridiculous arm strength.

By the time he threw his last pass in blue and red, Eli had completely taken over the school record books with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes. The pinnacle of his college journey came in 2003, when he dragged Ole Miss to a 10-win season, capped it off with a Cotton Bowl victory, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and claimed the prestigious Maxwell Award—proving beyond doubt that he was a star in his own right.

Key takeaways

• Arch Manning joined Texas over Tennessee in the 2023 recruiting class.
• Peyton Manning stated in 2025 that Arch wanted to play for Steve Sarkisian.
• Joining Texas allowed Arch to start from a clean slate away from his uncles.

“Most of my advice is more football stuff. He’ll have to figure out that media on his own and a lot of it is just kind of growing pains. You feel like [the media’s] your pal, you relax with them a little bit, you try to be funny, and then they can take it and run,” Eli Manning admitted, via Front Office Sports.

“You’ve got to be careful, you’ve got to find your moments when you can be funny and relaxed. There’s certain things that you’ve got to learn and deal with it. I think he has learned and apologized, and did the right steps handling that.“

Arch Manning may be one of the biggest household names in college football and has been in the national spotlight for some time, but he is still a young player discovering the lay of the land. Going through the trials and tribulations of a college experience that not many NCAA athletes can relate to, Arch is not alone, though.

Arch has helping hands all around him

At times, it might sound as if he’s being scolded, but in truth, it shows he has people around him who care. That’s the case with Eli’s latest message, as well as the support he always gets from his father Cooper, uncle Peyton and grandfather Archie.

Even Steve Sarkisian’s recent ultimatum for Manning ahead of Texas vs. Tennessee is a sign that the Longhorns’ program is looking after what’s best for their quarterback. When it’s all put together, it’s encouraging, and it may reveal that Arch is destined for great things in college football and perhaps at the next level, too.

Arch Manning changed entirely after controversy

Following a lackluster performance during Texas’ 30-6 win over UTSA, Manning attended a press conference on Monday. It was his first face-to-face, lengthy meeting with the media after his comment about an AI-generated video raised eyebrows and led to a blown-out-of-proportion witch hunt against the heir to football’s royal quarterback family.

Once bitten, twice shy, Manning turned three times shy. He looked like a completely different personality, turning away from the funny remarks he’d made on another occasion. His short, straight-out-of-a-cassette answers made waves all over social media, as many fans and reporters lamented that Arch’s personality appeared to be censored.

From now on, it seems Manning will only say as little as possible to string together an answer out of respect for reporters’ questions, but will give away nothing more.

Manning’s press conference stats

According to CBS Austin’s Bob Ballou, Manning answered a total of 19 questions with just 56 seconds of answers during his Monday press conference. That’s less than a three-second average answer.

To say Manning has become laconic would be an understatement. And all for a comment—that was clearly intended as a joke but was read too much into—from a 22-year-old who had a laugh out of an AI-generated, absurd video.

Key takeaways

• Eli Manning advised his nephew to be careful, noting media can take comments and run.
• A public comment regarding an AI-generated video resulted in widespread media controversy and an apology.
• During a recent press conference, Arch Manning answered 19 questions in just 56 seconds.

However, the story was always kind of blurry. Was it his agent, his parents? What was going on that made Eli Manning end up with the Giants? Well, the two-time Super Bowl champion revealed it was him all along, to the dismay of his parents.

Appearing on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Manning said, “San Diego [Chargers] had the first pick, I didn’t really want to go there. I just didn’t feel like they were the most committed team to winning at the time.” He then added, “My parents really weren’t supportive. My dad didn’t like the idea.”

The Chargers weren’t the only team rejected by Eli Manning

As Manning’s agent Tom Condon was telling the Chargers that if they drafted Manning, he would just go back to college, a possibility of a trade came up. However, the team interested in trading up was Cleveland, and Manning didn’t want to play for the Browns either.

Then, the Giants looped in and made a deal with the Chargers, and they saw how Eli Manning won two Super Bowls for the G-Men against non other than Tom Brady’s Patriots.

Eli Manning’s career is a wild one

Winning two Super Bowls and being the MVP of both of them should basically mean you’re a Hall of Fame quarterback. In many cases, a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But that’s not Eli. He was as clutch as an NFL player can be, but his regular season outings were not nearly as good.

Manning has a 117-117 regular season record, with 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns and 244 interceptions. Those are not eye-opening numbers, especially the record. Add the fact that he had double-digit interceptions in all but two seasons (which he didn’t play fully) and led the league in picks three times, and Manning’s Hall of Fame case is one of the weirdest in history.

Despite winning six Super Bowls, Belichick failed to gain induction in his first year of eligibility. The decision stunned much of the football world, including Manning, who believes there may be no one more deserving of a place in Canton than the legendary coach.

“Bill Belichick not making the Hall of Fame is pretty shocking,” Eli Manning told ClutchPoints.com. “You have one of – if not maybe the greatest coach of all time — and what he built there in New England, and the amount of Super Bowls they went to, and AFC championships, let alone just the amount that they won, it was incredible. I can’t imagine a more deserving coach to make it in the Hall of Fame than him.”

The Hall of Fame could face bigger issues in 2028

With Manning — a two-time Super Bowl champion — and Belichick — a six-time champion — both missing out in 2026, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will face significant scrutiny moving forward.

Several prominent figures across the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes, expressed surprise at Belichick’s omission. Some speculate that lingering controversies from his career — including incidents like Deflategate — may have influenced voters.

However, Belichick’s snub also raises a larger question: What happens in 2028 when Tom Brady becomes eligible? Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. If voters penalized Belichick for past controversies, it could spark debate about whether similar scrutiny would apply to Brady.

Most fans and analysts expect Belichick to be inducted in 2027. But if he were to be passed over again, the Hall of Fame’s credibility would likely face serious criticism — especially with Brady’s first year of eligibility looming in 2028.

Just one day after Belichick’s snub—which even prompted Patrick Mahomes to send a message to the NFL—another legendary figure many believe belongs in Canton has been left out.

On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor reported that Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, will not be part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, failing to secure enough votes in his second year of eligibility.

Two controversial decisions by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Following Belichick’s omission, several NFL stars voiced their frustration with the Hall of Fame’s decision-making process. While the institution operates independently, its choices undeniably impact the league’s image and public perception.

The back-to-back snubs of Belichick and Manning have raised eyebrows across the football world. Both were widely viewed as near-unanimous selections, yet neither reached the required 40 votes out of 50 needed for induction.

Manning, now denied entry for a second straight year after falling short in 2025, will have to wait at least one more year for another chance at enshrinement. The voters—made up of media members and football figures—will once again decide whether his legacy ultimately earns him a place in Canton.

The stage is set in Washington, D.C. for one of soccer’s most anticipated nights. On December 5, the draw that will shape the groups of the 2026 World Cup steps into the spotlight but the event itself promises far more than just balls and bowls.

At the heart of the ceremony stand many unmistakable names, slated to co-host the broadcast from the historic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Glamour, humour and Hollywood flair converge to usher in what many expect to be a global spectacle.

The ceremony also brings together sporting legends from across disciplines. Big stars will assist in revealing group-stage matchups, underscoring the global reach and crossover appeal of this expanded, 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Who will conduct the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final draw?

FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand will take on the role of lead conductor for the historic 48-team draw, alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will guide the official proceedings that will determine the 12 groups for the expanded tournament.

“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour”, Ferdinand said. “As a player, I lived for these global stages — now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for”.

Which sports legends will serve as draw assistants?

The stage in Washington will also welcome a remarkable group of cross-sport icons serving as draw assistants. Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal will step into the spotlight, representing American football, ice hockey, baseball and basketball respectively.

“Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour — it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of”, Brady said. Gretzky echoed that sentiment, highlighting the sport’s global reach, while Judge pointed to the personal significance of the final being set in the New York–New Jersey area.

Adding another layer of star power, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will serve as the event’s red carpet host, welcoming guests as the world’s attention turns to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup journey.

Who are the entertainment co-hosts for the World Cup draw?

The Final Draw will be co-hosted by three global personalities with very different backgrounds but equal mainstream impact. Supermodel, producer and Emmy-winning TV host Heidi Klum returns to the World Cup draw stage two decades after her first appearance ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany.

“This time, on an even bigger stage involving three host countries and 48 teams, is an incredible honour”, she said, reflecting on her return to the event, according to the official FIFA website.

Joining her is Kevin Hart, one of the most successful comedians and actors of his generation, whose presence adds a high-energy, crossover appeal to the ceremony. Completing the hosting trio is actor and producer Danny Ramirez, who will connect with soccer legends in attendance and bring a distinct Hollywood flair to the broadcast.

“As someone who grew up playing football, getting to co-host the draw and meet and speak with World Cup legends at such a high-profile event is a dream”, Ramirez said, also highlighting his personal ties to the United States and Mexico.

After nine weeks, the Colts boast a 7-2 record (tied for the best record in the league), with Jones playing at an MVP level, revitalizing his career after a tumultuous tenure with the New York Giants.

Jones’ performances have turned a lot of heads, and the Colts have taken note of that. They are reportedly planning to keep the veteran on the roster for the long run and officially move on from Anthony Richardson, who was expected to become the team’s franchise quarterback before Jones showed up.

Eli Manning praises Daniel Jones amid remarkable season with Colts

During Thursday’s edition of “Up & Adams,” Giants all-time great Eli Manning shared his thoughts about Jones’ season and the rumored contract extension he would sign. While he recalled Jones took his job in New York, he lauded the quarterback for his work ethic.

“Just excited for Daniel. As I said, no one deserves it more, or has worked harder, and he did it from day one,” Manning began. “If you’re gonna lose your job to someone like I did [Jones took Manning’s starting spot with the Giants in 2019], at least it’s to someone that’s coming in and working really hard and earned the right, and prepared and studied.”

The Colts look like potential contenders this season. They made a big move ahead of the trade deadline, trading for star cornerback Sauce Gardner to improve their defense. They need to cash in on their big campaign and bring help to Jones if they want to win this season.

The outstanding showing by Steve Sarkisian’s starting quarterback saw him throw four touchdown passes — all in the first half — showcasing his full talent in a dominant display, and in many ways redeeming himself after last week’s showing against Ohio State.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to match the record set by both Eli at Ole Miss and Peyton at Tennessee — with each throwing six touchdown passes in a single game, their personal best in college football.

Still, Arch quickly put to rest any doubts about his talent, dismantling his opponent from the opening snap and leading his Longhorns to a dominant home victory.

A historic defeat for Eli and Ole Miss

Ole Miss legend Eli Manning showcased his elite talent in one of college football’s most memorable games, throwing for a career-high six touchdown passes in a single contest.

While the performance cemented his status as a top quarterback, the game itself is remembered for a different reason: a heartbreaking loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 23, 2001.

In an epic seven-overtime battle, Manning’s incredible effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, leaving fans with a bittersweet memory of a legendary passing performance in a devastating defeat.

Peyton Manning’s College Football record

In what would be a preview of his future NFL greatness, Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning put on a masterful display, setting a career-high with six touchdown passes in a dominant victory.

This legendary performance occurred on November 22, 1997, as Manning picked apart the Kentucky Wildcats defense in a decisive 59-31 win.

The game served as a powerful exclamation point on a Heisman-caliber season, solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific passers to ever take the field in college football.

Eli Manning is someone with extensive experience in this franchise and knows exactly what it means to play under pressure in New York—a reality the younger players will undoubtedly have to learn to navigate. Not only that, but they’ll also need to handle both the praise and the criticism that will inevitably come from the media.

Dart is a talent with great potential who, along with the other rookies, will need to adapt to these new career changes. If they can achieve this, they will surely make a name for themselves during their time in the NFL.

Manning’s key advice for young players

During the recent Fanatics Fest, Eli Manning, alongside his brother Peyton, shared valuable insights on navigating the demanding New York media. In a discussion with host Kay Adams, the former Giants quarterback specifically addressed how the intense media scrutiny in New York can significantly impact younger players.

“As a quarterback, as a leader of a team, you have to understand that when you have your great games, you’ve got to give credit to all your teammates. You give credit to everybody–how well they played and what they do, and say, ‘Hey, it’s not me; it’s them,’” he started.

“Opposite, when you have the tough games. You’ve gotta put it on your shoulders [and] take the blame for it…and that’s just part of being a quarterback.”

The importance of getting along with veterans

Among other teachings that Manning dared to give to the new generation of players on the Giants, among them Jaxson Dart, he referred to one of the keys to being able to generate a good congruence with the most experienced players on the roster.

“You’re 22 years old in college, and you’re the same age as everybody. Now, [you] might have teammates who are 35 years old and have four kids. There are some grown men that are their teammates now, and they gotta say, ‘Hey, how do I be a leader of this guy?’” Manning said.

“And it’s from doing all the right things, coming in early, working out, being part of the community, handling the interviews, the media, [and] giving credit to the offensive line.”

Barber played as a running back and spent his entire professional NFL career with the Giants, from 1997 until his retirement in 2006. Known for his speed, versatility, and receiving ability, Barber amassed over 10,000 rushing yards and more than 5,000 receiving yards, becoming one of the most productive running backs of his era.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and remained a key piece in the Giants’ offense for a decade. Over the years, the New York franchise grew in strength and eventually won the Super Bowl in 2008, but shortly before that, Barber surprisingly retired at the peak of his career.

The surprising turn in Barber’s life

Although Barber never won a Super Bowl, he earned the reputation of a Giants legend. However, his relationship with Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin was tense, which, among other reasons, led him to make the striking decision to retire near the age of 30.

His life led him to pursue other passions related to media exposure. Barber quickly made the jump to television, working as a sports analyst and correspondent for NBC, appearing on shows like “The Today Show” and “Football Night in America.”

Barber’s arrival on Broadway

His career in entertainment continued until, in 2019, an unforgettable opportunity led him to leave the field and step onto the stage. That year, he surprised many by making his Broadway debut, starring as Don in the musical “Kinky Boots,” a show that combines music, humor, and a message of inclusion and acceptance.

The character Don plays an important supporting role in the story. Barber had a limited role replacing actor Daniel Stewart Sherman. However, just like in his playing days, his performance was well received by both audiences and critics.

In recent history, Eli Manning is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks the NFC has seen. He famously led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories over Tom Brady and the Patriots—a feat few quarterbacks can claim.

After a highly successful career, Manning decided to retire in 2020. However, his return to football could be on the horizon, as the Giants may be looking to bring him back in a larger role.

Rumors: Giants could be targeting Eli Manning’s return in a new capacity

Eli Manning will always be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Giants history—if not the greatest. He led the NFC East franchise to two Super Bowl titles, toppling the dominant Patriots dynasty both times.

However, his retirement in 2020 left New York with a major challenge: finding his replacement. The Giants attempted to fill the void with Daniel Jones, but he failed to meet expectations and was released during the 2024 NFL season. Now, the team is once again in search of a franchise quarterback, and Manning could play a crucial role in that process.

Recent reports have revealed that the Giants are looking to sell a 10% stake in the team. Back in 2022, Manning expressed interest in becoming a minority owner if such an opportunity ever became available.

“It’s of interest, it’s just got to be the right fit,” Manning said in an interview with FOS in 2022, adding that “I don’t think the Giants are going to be for sale anytime soon.”

While he currently holds a business operations and fan engagement role within the organization, purchasing a stake in the team would give him greater influence over key decisions. His experience and leadership could prove invaluable in helping the front office build a more competitive roster in the near future.

What is the New York Giants’ current value?

According to Forbes, the New York Giants are currently valued at $7.3 billion, making them the fourth-most valuable NFL franchise. They rank behind the Patriots, Rams, and Cowboys, the latter of which leads the list at $10.1 billion.

The team is co-owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch, who each hold a 50% stake. The franchise was originally purchased by Tim Mara, John’s grandfather, in 1925 for just $500. The Tisch family later bought their share in 1991.