Tag: Manning

Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

2026 NFL Draft: 36 prospects to watch

Posted on | by Field Level Media

That’s a wrap on the 2025 NFL Draft. For scouting departments and general managers across the league, the mindset is “on to 2026.”

Maybe the March for Arch will be fruitful, bringing fortune to an NFL team that flops early and never recovers in 2025.

Arch Manning is the No. 1-ranked player projected to be available in the 2026 draft next April. But the spring preseason draft board and the version nailed down approximately 11 months from now won’t be carbon copies.

Not only is Manning a massive projection given his relative inexperience, there is more than enough time for another quarterback — or playmaker, a la Travis Hunter — to emerge as the best of the Class of 2026.

Here are names to know entering the 2025 college football season:

1. QB Arch Manning, Texas
Junior in 2025
Bloodlines for days with a pair of uncles in Eli and Peyton who were drafted No. 1 and a grandpa picked No. 2 by the Saints in 1978, the cameo appearances we’ve witnessed at Texas point to potential greatness from the next Manning progeny. He’s the best athlete of them all and shares the QB bloodhound instincts of his famous uncles with athletic traits reminiscent of grandpa Archie. Need we say more? Inexperience stands as the lone question. But we’ll have an answer very soon as Arch Manning replaces Quinn Ewers in Austin. In a nutshell, he can make every throw and run a little, too.

2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
“Special” only starts to tell the story with Downs, our top-ranked defensive player in 2026 entering the upcoming season. We can keep up the talk about bloodlines with Downs, too. Dad, Gary, was a running back in the NFL. Caleb is the nephew of former NFL cornerback Dre Bly and younger brother of Colts WR Josh Downs. Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama after a standout freshman season to play at Ohio State. The do-it-all safety grabbed the spotlight. His football IQ and processing are uncanny. He can dominate in single-high with physicality and playmaking or win in the box. He’s a potential top-5 pick.

3. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Junior in 2025
Squarely built right tackle prospect with a blend of explosive power, body control and rare athleticism for a 6-6, 320-pound force of nature. Former five-star recruit has met expectations since starting for the Hurricanes as a freshman. Coaches praise his drive, rapid development and attention to detail. If he’s not the first offensive tackle selected with the No. 1 pick since Eric Fisher in 2013, we’re positive he won’t be waiting long.

4. DL T.J. Parker, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Menacing pass rusher (16.5 career sacks) ended the season with seven sacks in the Tigers’ final six games. Parker gives the Tigers an anchor on one of the best defensive lines in the country. Had he been available in 2025, Parker would’ve been in the conversation as the top pass rusher in the draft. He should reign terror on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.

5. DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Junior in 2025
Bain has 11 sacks in his first two seasons and didn’t play four games last season because of a calf injury. His upside is undeniable and practice reps head-to-head with the top-ranked OT on this list won’t hurt his development as a power end with potential to duck inside in some schemes.

6. Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Junior in 2025
Cloaked in huge expectations and already a physically imposing monster for a defensive end, Faulk is listed at 6-6, 275, and is only 20 years old entering the college football season. He had 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2024.

7. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Senior in 2025
Another Clipboard U graduate in the Southeastern Conference, Nussmeier waited for his opportunity for what seemed like ages at LSU. He’ll be 24 in February 2026, which some teams might overplay as a downside. Most of them would’ve loved to have Nussmeier’s predecessor, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels in 2024. He turns 25 in December.

8. CB Ashton Stamps, LSU
Junior in 2025
He’s a do-it-all cornerback the Tigers trust on an island because of his ability to lock down any assignment. Excellent physicality and mirroring ability to handle press or man coverage with the speed and instincts to make plays in zone. Should be highly touted and climbs this list by simply maintaining current trajectory.

9. DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Another force up front for the Tigers, Woods played most of last season at defensive end and was unblockable at times. He weighs over 300 pounds but only the scale knows. Clemson uses him anywhere and everywhere on the front seven, underscoring rare athleticism at his size. His pro potential is through the roof. With Woods playing alongside T.J Parker., Clemson has one of the scariest tandems in football.

10. RB Nick Singleton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Singleton could have been among the top three at running back in the 2025 draft had he declared, but he stayed to chase a championship. His combination of acceleration and power helps the Penn State offense thrive.

–Here’s a couple of dozen more intriguing prospects we’ll be studying before the 2026 draft:

DL Aaron Graves, Iowa
Senior in 2025
Film junkies should rewatch the Washington game from 2024. Strong and anchored in the lower half, his background in wrestling is evident in an uncanny ability to maintain ground. Add his name to the long list of hard-nosed and disciplined defenders out of Iowa City.

DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Redshirt Senior in 2025
Massive nose tackle prospect has production and athleticism to ace pre-draft tests. He contributes in the passing game, which means scheme diversity to be a fit for every team. With more refinement, Jackson has the traits to be a playmaker inside.

LB Harold Perkins, LSU
Senior in 2025
Undersized but scrappy player who can win as a pass rusher with the athleticism to make plays in space. One of the most dominant defenders in the FBS with a knack for making an impact. Coming off of a torn ACL last season, he should be back healthy and dominant in 2025.

DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Redshirt junior in 2025
Google Corleone to confirm: his hulking arms are nearly the same circumference of his massive legs. Or ask Chat GTP to show you the strongest defensive tackle in college football. Corleone’s name percolated with evaluators for a few years, but he returned to school rather than cash in a Top 100 spot in April. He’s quick with superhero power — squat is over 600 pounds and deadlift of 700 — and he’s faster than you think. Where does he fit in the NFL? Pro teams always check on serious medical matters and Corleone’s blood clot diagnosis in June 2024 will be scrutinized by doctors.

CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
Senior in 2025
After two seasons at Southern California, one year at Alabama made a notable difference in Jackson’s play. He has elite traits, high-caliber athleticism and could get even better with another year of development. Jackson has a chance to go from potential first-round pick to a possible top-10 selection.

DT Bear Alexander, Oregon
Junior in 2025
Georgia to USC to Oregon, Keithian Alexander — known as Bear — was largely in hibernation with the Trojans in 2024. A one-time top recruit, he’s a pass-rushing defensive tackle with can’t-lose traits in one-on-one matchups inside. He has a combination of size and athleticism to be a top-10 pick if he’s locked in during the 2025 season, which will be his first at Oregon.

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
Safety convert added some weight and moved toward the line of scrimmage. Instinctual player with the speed to cover running backs and tight ends on passing downs. Fun chess piece could be dangerous as he advances technique-wise.

CB Tacario Davis, Washington
Senior in 2025
Arizona transfer with plenty of hype and three seasons as a starter for the Wildcats. Long-limbed and can erase receivers on the outside but isn’t shy about moving over the middle.

QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Junior in 2025
If you don’t know Sellers’ name, it’s time to get SEC Network. He has a rocket for a throwing arm and enough athletic ability to be much more as he enters his second season as a starter.

S Rod Moore, Michigan
Senior in 2025
If Moore had entered the 2025 draft, he’d likely would have squarely in the first-round conversation. Athletic and intelligent, he can drop down to cover in the slot and handle man responsibilities. High praise regarding his leadership and splash play ability comes from coaches and opponents. He’ll have some proving to do after he was injured in 2024.

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Dennis-Sutton opted to return in the role of Nittany Lions’ star pass rusher. A great run defender with an impressive frame, he has power to get through any blocker. Dennis-Sutton will be out to prove he was more than a beneficiary of playing opposite 2024 No. 3 pick Abdul Carter.

CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
A key piece of the Ohio State secondary in 2024, he also drew a whopping 13 penalties. Grabby corners get benched in the NFL. Igbinosun has the size, physicality and athleticism teams are looking for if he breaks the handsy habits.

QB Carson Beck, Miami
Grad transfer in 2025
Beck spent years behind 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett IV and took advantage of his opportunity as a starter before injuring his right elbow in the SEC title game. A modern-day pocket passer with good accuracy, quick release and instincts to anticipate windows, he’ll keep himself in the draft mix if health isn’t a setback.

WR Nic Anderson, LSU
Redshirt junior in 2025
Anderson was a stud as a freshman at Oklahoma with 10 TD catches. But he has only six starts (17 games) under his belt. A 6-foot-4 target with a track background, he’ll pair with a pro-caliber QB at LSU with a chance to prove his high ceiling and first-round projection.

TE Tanner Koziol, Wisconsin
Senior in 2025
Ball State transfer is built like a power forward with extremely long limbs. Exciting pass catcher with quick feet and solid awareness. Moving up in competition to the Big Ten will give him a chance to prove he’s the top tight end in college football.

WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Smooth route-runner with 17 career TD grabs. He opted to return for another season with Cade Klubnik.

RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Redshirt Junior in 2025
Hughes’ choice to move up to Oregon from Tulane could make him a highly touted prospect as he replaces Jordan James. Great power and vision make him a true RB1.

DE Damon Wilson II, Missouri
Junior in 2025
Working rotationally at Georgia, Wilson opted to hit the portal after the 2024 season for a chance to be a primary defender in Missouri’s pass rush. The versatile lineman can drop into coverage, set the edge, or break into the backfield on any given snap.

OG DJ Campbell, Texas
Senior in 2025
It was hard to acknowledge all the talent Texas had on the offensive line, but watch a few snaps and No. 52 stands out at right guard. Campbell has a great frame and body control to win at the point of attack and keep his jersey clean.

RB Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State
Senior in 2025
Hankerson is the ideal goal-line back. He runs with energy and contact balance reminiscent of Cowboys RB Javonte Williams.

S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Senior in 2025
An under-the-radar riser in 2024, Taaffe chose to return to the Longhorns to help the team’s chances of claiming a national title. A former walk-on turned second-team All-American, his constant playmaking ability comes up big for the Longhorns.

LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
Junior in 2025
High-motor defender operates all over the field and always finds the football. Utilized as a pass rusher, run stopper, slot defender and much more and never looked out of place.

RB Eli Sanders, USC
Senior in 2025
Sanders lit up the competition at New Mexico and figures to do the same for the Trojans. He currently projects as a second- or third-round pick.

OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Senior in 2025
Great blend of flexibility and power to match speed or strength on the interior. Tremendous frame with excellent body control. Another year developing his technique could have Reed-Adams as one of the top guard prospects in the class.

TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
Purdue transfer consistently found ways to contribute in the quick passing attack. With defenses looking to limit Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate downfield, Klare should see opportunities to produce underneath.

TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Senior in 2025
Had high expectations entering 2024 but Brock Bowers left enormous shoes to fill. With another year as the lead guy and a new QB, Delp has the tools to emerge as a top-50 prospect.

–Field Level Media

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Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri among 25 HOF semifinalists

Posted on | by Field Level Media

First-time nominees Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly are among the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 with former Rams wide receiver Torry Holt hoping a 12th time is the charm.

Vinatieri, Kuechly, Manning, Terrell Suggs, Earl Thomas and Marshal Yanda are the first-time candidates who last played in 2019 in the pool of semifinalists, which will be reduced to 15 by the end of the current season.

Holt is a semifinalist for the 12th time and nine-time semifinalists Hines Ward and Darren Woodson have been debated by Selection Committee the second-longest. Woodson was first a semifinalist in 2015; Ward joined the list in 2016.

Offensive linemen Richmond Webb, who retired following the 2002 season, is also a first-time semifinalist.

2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern-Era nominee semifinalists:

Eric Allen, CB — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Times as a Semifinalist: 5 — 2021-25

Jared Allen, DE — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Times as a Semifinalist: 5 — 2021-25

Willie Anderson, T — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Times as a Semifinalist: 5 — 2021-25

Anquan Boldin, WR — 2003-09 Arizona Cardinals, 2010-12 Baltimore Ravens, 2013-15 San Francisco 49ers, 2016 Detroit Lions
Times as a Semifinalist: 4 — 2022-25

Jahri Evans, G — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Times as a Semifinalist: 3 — 2023-25

Antonio Gates, TE — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Times as a Semifinalist: 2 — 2024-25

James Harrison, LB — 2002-2012, 2014-17 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2013 Cincinnati Bengals, 2017 New England Patriots
Times as a Semifinalist: 3 — 2023-25

Rodney Harrison, S — 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots
Times as a Semifinalist: 4 — 2021, 2023-25

Torry Holt, WR — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Times as a Semifinalist: 11 — 2015-2025

Luke Kuechly, LB — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Eli Manning, QB — 2004-2019 New York Giants
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Robert Mathis, DE/LB — 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts
Times as a Semifinalist: 4 — 2022-25

Steve Smith Sr., WR — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens
Times as a Semifinalist: 4 — 2022-25

Terrell Suggs, LB/DE — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Fred Taylor, RB — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
Times as a Semifinalist: 6 — 2020-25

Earl Thomas, DB — 2010-18 Seattle Seahawks, 2019 Baltimore Ravens
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Adam Vinatieri, PK — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Hines Ward, WR — 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers
Times as a Semifinalist: 9 — 2016-2025

Ricky Watters, RB — 1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, 1998-2001 Seattle Seahawks
Times as a Semifinalist: 5 — 2020, 2022-25

Reggie Wayne, WR — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
Times as a Semifinalist: 6 — 2020-25

Richmond Webb, T — 1990-2000 Miami Dolphins, 2001-02 Cincinnati Bengals
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

Vince Wilfork, DT — 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans
Times as a Semifinalist: 4 — 2022-25

Steve Wisniewski, G — 1989-2001 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Times as a Semifinalist: 2 — 2014, 2025

Darren Woodson, S — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Times as a Semifinalist: 9 — 2015, 2017, 2019-2025

Marshal Yanda, G/T — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens
Times as a Semifinalist: 1 — 2025

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) talks with head coach Steve Sarkisian before the game against Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Texas QB Quinn Ewers eyes return to face rival Oklahoma

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quinn Ewers is on target to return on Oct. 12 when Texas faces archrival Oklahoma for the first time in the Southeastern Conference.

The No. 2 Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) enter their bye week with one healthy quarterback, Arch Manning, but Ewers was reportedly close to being cleared to play last week from the abdominal strain that knocked him out of the 56-7 win over UTSA on Sept. 14.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian said the No. 2 Longhorns will lean on the luxury of time with no game this week to allow Ewers to continue building strength before diving into plans for the Red River Rivalry meeting with the Sooners in Dallas.

“He’s just rehabbing as he has been. I think he’s been making steady progress one day to the next, which is a good sign,” Sarkisian said Monday. “We haven’t had any setbacks. It’s been steady progress. I think he’s getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we’ll just kind of stay the course with that.”

Sarkisian left little to speculation on Saturday after Manning guided the Longhorns to a 35-13 win over Mississippi State.

“We need Quinn back because he’s our quarterback, and he’s our leader,” Sarkisian said after Manning passed for 324 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Bulldogs.

“I think that that impacts the entire team’s belief. But what I think we learned, and what Arch kind of learned here over the last two and a half games, is this team can count on him, too. … When we get Quinn back, we’re all going to be excited about that but we also know, gosh, what a luxury that we do have. And what valuable experience Arch got here over the last two and a half games.”

Ewers led Texas to a Sept. 7 win at Michigan and is completing 73.4 percent of his passes for 691 yards and eight touchdowns with two interceptions this season. He missed the past two games, but Sarkisian believes he’ll jump back into the Heisman Trophy conversation when he takes the field again.

“(Ewers) is going to be in New York for the Heisman (as a finalist), whether he wins it or not, but he has the ability to do that,” Sarkisian said last week. “I think he has the ability to be a top-five NFL draft pick. All of the things that I think he is capable of are still out there for him. Him not playing in this game Saturday is not going to impact those three things that I know are goals that we’ve set for him and that he’s working towards.”

Manning has 900 yards passing with nine touchdowns and two picks plus three rushing touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) talks with head coach Steve Sarkisian before the game against Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Report: QB Quinn Ewers (abdominal) likely out for No. 1 Texas

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Quinn Ewers is unlikely to start for No. 1 Texas in its Southeastern Conference debut against visiting Mississippi State on Saturday as he recovers from injury, ESPN reported.

If Ewers is sidelined, Arch Manning will make his second consecutive start.

Ewers left the Longhorns’ Sept. 14 win over UTSA with an abdominal strain and was replaced by Manning. The redshirt freshman started in Ewers’ place last weekend in a 51-3 drubbing of Louisiana-Monroe as Texas moved to 4-0.

ESPN reported that the decision would come later Saturday before the scheduled 4:15 p.m. ET start time in Austin.

Ewers was limited in practice this week as coach Steve Sarkisian said he wanted to give him more rest.

In his first college start, Manning was 15-of-29 passing for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions against ULM. In relief of Ewers in the UTSA game, Manning completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards with four TD passes and a 67-yard touchdown run.

Ewers is 19-6 as a starter at Texas. He has 6,347 career passing yards, good for seventh place in program history. His 45 passing touchdowns rank sixth.

He will have extra recovery time next week with the Longhorns on a bye week. They return to play Oct. 12 against longtime rival Oklahoma, currently ranked No. 21.

Mississippi State will be the first-ever SEC opponent for Texas. The Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 SEC) lost their conference opener to Florida 45-28 last weekend and lost quarterback Blake Shapen for the season to a shoulder injury.

Freshman signal-caller Michael Van Buren will get his first college start for the Bulldogs on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is one of 167 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Eli Manning, Marshawn Lynch, lead 2025 Hall of Fame nominees

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Giants quarterback Eli Manning and few other familiar Super Bowl performers are among 167 modern-day nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Running back Marshawn Lynch, kicker Adam Vinatieri, defensive end Terrell Suggs and late wide receiver Demaryius Thomas are among first-year nominees with Lombardi Trophy resumes. That list also includes offensive tackle Joe Staley, safety Earl Thomas, center Ryan Kalil and tight end Vernon Davis.

In an evolved process, the 2025 selection protocol changed to include a committee assigned to “screen” the larger list of modern-day candidates to 50 finalists over the next month. From there, the 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee trims the list to 25 semifinalists and a second vote narrows the pool to 15 finalists. The committee debates the merits of the finalists and selects the new class to be introduced one day prior to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February.

Players are required to be five full seasons from their last game to be eligible for nomination, meaning anyone who last played during the 2019 season is eligible for the first time in the 2025 class.

Multiple finalists from the 2024 Hall of Fame class are nominated again, including wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, pass rusher Jared Allen, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, running back Fred Taylor and defensive backs Eric Allen and Darren Woodson.

Manning is one of 10 quarterbacks nominated for the 2025 class. Late Titans quarterback Steve McNair, former Eagles and Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham and Tony Romo (Cowboys) are repeat nominees.

A two-time Super Bowl winner and the No. 1 pick in 2004, Manning played 16 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. He was MVP of both Super Bowl wins and he played 236 regular-season games (234 starts) with the Giants, who acquired the Ole Miss product in a draft-day trade — from the Chargers for No. 4 pick Philip Rivers. Manning beat the Patriots in Super Bowls XLII — New England was 18-0 — and XLVI with fourth-quarter drives to take the lead. Manning is one of 21 quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl without losing one.

Older brother Peyton Manning was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. Former Eli Manning teammate Tiki Barber is a 2025 nominee also bidding to join his brother in Canton. Barber was a running back with the Giants and is the twin of longtime Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who was a member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

The running back nominees include Shaun Alexander (Seahawks), Jamal Lewis (Ravens), Clinton Portis (Washington, Broncos), Corey Dillon (Bengals, Patriots) and Thomas Jones (Jets, Bears). Adrian Peterson, who retired in 2021, and Frank Gore, are not yet eligible. Gore is fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 16,000 yards in a career that spanned five teams from 2005-2020 and Peterson is No. 5 on the list (14,918).

Lynch was known as “Beast Mode” for his powerful running style. He retired for the first time in 2015 due to injuries, then returned to play for his then-hometown Oakland Raiders in 2017. After another retirement, Lynch returned to join the Seattle Seahawks for the last game of the regular season and playoffs. A first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he joined the Seahawks in 2010. He had 10,413 rushing yards and 94 touchdowns and played a starring role with the Seahawks in two Super Bowls. Lynch was a member of Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning team (XLVIII) in his fourth season with the team.

Barber is narrowly ahead of Lynch on the NFL’s all-time rushing list — with 10,449 yards — and one of 31 backs with more than 10,000 career rushing yards. Sixteen are in the Hall of Fame. Former McNair teammate and longtime Titans running back Eddie George is between Barber and Lynch on the NFL’s all-time rushing list and one of 31 running backs nominated.

Vinatieri played 24 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots and Colts. Undrafted in 1996, Vinatieri would become synonymous with playoff success on Bill Belichick-coached teams, winning four Super Bowl (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI). He signed with Indianapolis following the 2005 season to help Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy and quarterback Peyton Manning win the Super Bowl with the Colts in February 2007.

A number of other players tied to the Patriots dynasty are nominees, including Vince Wilfork, Mike Vrabel, Logan Mankins, Willie McGinest and 2024 finalist Rodney Harrison.

Vinatieri retired in 2019 after 24 seasons as the NFL’s all-time leading scorer (2,673 points) and holding league records for field goals made (599), postseason points (238) and field goals made in overtime (12).

Previous Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt and Vinatieri special teams teammate in Indianapolis, punter Pat McAfee, are 2025 nominees.

A two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas was Peyton Manning’s lead receiver when the Broncos claimed Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers in 2016. Thomas caught 63 touchdowns in his career and totaled 9,763 receiving yards in his career which included part of the 2018 season with the Houston Texans and short stints with the Patriots and Jets in 2019. He died at age 33 in 2021.

2025 MODERN-DAY NOMINEES
* – 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

QUARTERBACKS (10): Marc Bulger, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Doug Flutie, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Steve McNair, Tony Romo

RUNNING BACKS (31): Shaun Alexander, Terry Allen, Jamal Anderson, Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Stephen Davis, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Charlie Garner, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, John Kuhn (FB), Vonta Leach, Dorsey Levens, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Glyn Milburn (also WR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Clinton Portis, Tony Richardson (FB), Robert Smith, Darren Sproles (also PR/KR), Fred Taylor*, Chris Warren, Ricky Watters, Ricky Williams

WIDE RECEIVERS (21): Anquan Boldin, Donald Driver, Antonio Freeman, Irving Fryar, Torry Holt*, Joe Horn, Chad Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordy Nelson, Andre Rison, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Demaryius Thomas, Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne*, Wes Welker, Roddy White

TIGHT ENDS (6): Ben Coates, Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Jeremy Shockey, *Delanie Walker, Wesley Walls

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (26): Willie Anderson* (T), Bruce Armstrong (T/G), Matt Birk (C), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans* (G), Travis Frederick (C), Jordan Gross (T), Ryan Kalil (C), Lincoln Kennedy (T), Olin Kreutz (C), T.J. Lang (G/T), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Tom Nalen (C), Jeff Saturday (C), Mark Schlereth (G/C), Josh Sitton (G), Chris Snee (G), Joe Staley (T), Dave Szott (G), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (18): John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen* (DE), La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Casey Hampton (DT/NT), Robert Mathis (DE), Chester McGlockton (DT), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Clyde Simmons (DE/DT), Justin Smith (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Henry Thomas (DT/NT), Justin Tuck (DE), Ted Washington (NT/DT), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Jamal Williams (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT), Pat Williams (DT)

LINEBACKERS (20): Jessie Armstead, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Cornelius Bennett, Lance Briggs, Keith Brooking, NaVorro Bowman, Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, James Farrior, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Willie McGinest (also DE), Ken Norton Jr., Julian Peterson, Bill Romanowski, Takeo Spikes, Terrell Suggs, Mike Vrabel, Lee Woodall

DEFENSIVE BACKS (18): Eric Allen* (CB), Eric Berry (DB), Antoine Bethea (S), Dré Bly (DB), Kam Chancellor (S), Nick Collins (DB), Antonio Cromartie (CB), DeAngelo Hall (DB), Rodney Harrison* (S), Eugene Robinson (DB), Samari Rolle (DB), Allen Rossum (DB), Bob Sanders (S), Aqib Talib (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson* (S)

PUNTERS/KICKERS (15): David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Darren Bennett (P), Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Shane Lechler (P), Pat McAfee (P), Brian Moorman (P), Matt Stover (K), Matt Turk (P), Mike Vanderjagt (K), Adam Vinatieri (K)

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB)

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Arch Manning preps to start for No. 1 Texas with Quinn Ewers questionable

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is questionable for Saturday’s game with an oblique strain, opening the door for sophomore backup Arch Manning to lead the No. 1-ranked Longhorns against Louisiana-Monroe.

Coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that Ewers’ abdominal injury happened on a non-contact play. Manning had four touchdown passes and a 67-yard TD run in relief of Ewers in Texas’ 56-7 weekend win over UTSA.

“We’re going to monitor him day to day and see what this looks like. But he would be questionable for Saturday on the report for next week,” Sarkisian said of Ewers’ status.

Even if Manning takes the QB1 reps in practice, there’s still a chance Ewers would play if he is medically cleared. Sarkisian said Ewers’ makeup and professional approach to the position leaves the door open for his return.

“He’s always staying dialed in,” Sarkisian said of Ewers. “Even when he’s healthy and the twos go in, he’s always watching the twos. He’s always taking the mental reps. I think that’s the natural trait he has.”

When it comes down to naming a starter for Texas (3-0) against Louisiana-Monroe (2-0) on Saturday night, Sarkisian said both quarterbacks just want what’s best for the team.

Texas hosts ULM and Mississippi State in Austin before a bye week ahead of the annual Red River Rivalry game on Oct. 12 against Oklahoma. The Longhorns host No. 2 Georgia the following Saturday (Oct. 19).

“Arch is a selfless teammate,” Sarkisian said. “He cares about the guys on the team. He cares about Quinn. They’ve got a great relationship. He works his tail off. He wants to play good football for them because he knows how hard everybody’s working.”

–Field Level Media

Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, center, speaks with quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) moments before Ewers left the game early in the second quarter of the Longhorns' game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K RoyalÐTexas Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Texas star QB Quinn Ewers (abdomen) exits vs. UTSA

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Texas star quarterback Quinn Ewers exited Saturday’s game against UTSA early in the second quarter due to a strained abdomen, coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN in a halftime interview.

Ewers, a leading Heisman Trophy candidate, started to limp off the field before dropping to the turf and calling over to the sideline with 12:19 left in the first half. He was taken to the medical tent for evaluation and was soon ruled out of the contest.

Ewers went to the locker room and returned to the sideline in street clothes.

Ewers completed 14 of 16 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for No. 2 Texas before exiting.

Highly regarded backup Arch Manning replaced Ewers and tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. on his first play.

On Texas’ next possession, Manning scored on a 67-yard touchdown run on the second play to give the Longhorns a 28-7 lead.

Ewers threw for 3.479 yards and 22 touchdowns in leading Texas to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance last season.

–Field Level Media

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) evades a tackle by Washington edge Bralen Trice (8) during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers returning in 2024

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Quinn Ewers plans to return to Texas rather than entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of playing quarterback at the University of Texas. … I’m coming back,” Ewers said in a social media post Thursday. “Hook ’em.”

The 20-year-old gives Texas a unique stable of golden-armed options at quarterback. He’s 16-6 as a starter and the Longhorns have Arch Manning as a backup. Manning was the No. 1-ranked QB in the Class of 2023.

Texas ended the season in the College Football Playoff for the first time, losing in the semifinals to Washington, 37-31.

Ewers was second in the Big 12 with 3,479 yards and threw 22 touchdown passes last season, despite missing time with a shoulder injury for the second consecutive season. Texas is moving to the SEC next season.

Ewers was graded as a first-round pick in the ’24 class, which includes a crowd of headliners at the position. USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy all are expected to declare for the draft before the Jan. 15 deadline.

–Field Level Media

Dec 2, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

QB Arch Manning staying with Texas in 2024

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Arch Manning plans to return to Texas for his sophomore season in 2024, even if Longhorns starting quarterback Quinn Ewers opts to come back to Austin instead of entering the NFL draft.

Seated on the metal benches on the sideline at the Superdome where his grandpa, Archie Manning, has his No. 8 hanging from the rafters in New Orleans, prized freshman quarterback Arch Manning said he’s been taking all of the backup reps as Texas finalizes practice preparation for the Sugar Bowl on Monday.

A New Orleans native, Arch Manning is the oldest son of Cooper Manning and nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. He said he took Ewers to his house this week and his mom provided a home-cooked meal during a brief break in the College Football Playoff semifinal practice and meeting schedule.

Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood said Manning is showing progress with increased practice reps during bowl preparation. During the 2023 season, Maalik Murphy was the primary backup to Ewers and Manning filled the No. 3 role. Murphy transferred to Duke with writing on the wall about Manning’s future role.

“He approaches everything like he’s the starting quarterback,” Flood said of Manning. “And I think that’s the key, whenever you’re in a reserve role, to being ready whenever you’re called upon.

“We’ve got a ton of confidence in Arch.”

Ewers is regarded as a likely first-round pick if he opts to leave for the 2024 NFL Draft. If he returns, competition with Manning for the starting spot could be fierce.

“You can just tell that he wants to learn as much as he can,” Ewers said. “He’s always asking questions, just trying to do his best. I think he understands the opportunity he has in front of him, and he’s definitely not going to waste it.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Arch support: Texas weighs options without QB Quinn Ewers

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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian admits he’s fortunate to be contemplating whether to ready freshman Arch Manning or redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy to face BYU this week.

Sophomore Quinn Ewers was classified as “week to week” two days after he left a 31-24 win over Houston with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

No. 7 Texas called only two pass plays after Murphy entered the game, but he’s taking the starter’s reps in practice this week ahead of Manning.

“Not every school is as fortunate as we are to have a quarterback room like we have,” Sarkisian said Monday.

Ewers was “clearly limited” after scrambling in the third quarter with the game tied at 21 when he lowered his shoulder to take on a Houston defender. Ewers finished the 11-play drive, which ended with Bert Auburn kicking a 25-yard field goal, but he did not return. Ewers went 23-of-29 passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns. He has completed 63.5 percent of his passes (323 of 509) for 4,092 yards and 28 TDs in 17 career games with Texas.

Sarkisian said Ewers’ work ethic makes him hesitant to put a timeframe on his potential return date.

“These injuries, some guys come back earlier than others,” he said. “He’s in the best shape of his life, so hopefully we get him back sooner rather than later.”

Texas (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) is one of four teams tied for second in the conference behind unbeaten Oklahoma (7-0, 4-0).

With five games left in the regular season, Manning could play in all but one of them and still be classified as a redshirt. Sarkisian said if he had to make the decision on his starter on Monday, it would be Murphy over Manning, but both could play.

As for the actual plan on paper without Ewers available?

“Go through the week with Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning both getting first-team reps. If the game was being played today, Maalik would start the game,” Sarkisian said.

“Inevitably, as a quarterback, you’re only as good as the guys around you,” he said.

One of those guys is running back Jonathan Brooks, who had 28 touches — eight receptions — against the Cougars and rushed for 99 yards. He’s seventh in the FBS with 825 rushing yards this season.

–Field Level Media