Arch Manning injury update: Latest news on Texas QB who entered concussion protocol ahead of Vanderbilt clash

Arch Manning left the Texas Longhorns' Week 9 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs because of a head injury. The promising quarterback posted a stat line of 346 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one interception and a rushing TD in the overtime win.

According to On3 Sports, Arch Manning remains in concussion protocol despite practicing on Wednesday. The report states that Steve Sarkisian said,

"Arch is obviously still in protocol. There’s steps as it pertains to protocol."

The NCAA takes head injuries seriously, and any player who suffers one is required to clear a strict concussion protocol before returning to action. It's common for the affected player to miss at least one game before being cleared to return by an independent health care provider.

So, it's likely that Arch Manning will sit out the Vanderbilt game. In the meantime, his replacement in the overtime win against Mississippi State is in a prime position to start.

Matthew Caldwell is on track to replace Arch Manning vs. Vanderbilt

Matthew Caldwell marked his fifth appearance for the Texas Longhorns by throwing a 10-yard game-winning touchdown to Emmett Mosley. That successful pass has kept the Longhorns in the playoff picture and might have secured his starting role in the Vanderbilt game.

Caldwell is in his first season with the Texas Longhorns after transferring from the Troy Trojans. He was recruited by Steve Sarkisian to provide experience and depth behind Manning, who was gearing up for his first season as the team's full-time starter. Caldwell started five games for Troy in the 2024 season.

Matthew Caldwell has spent time at Jacksonville State, Gardner-Webb, and Troy. Texas is likely his last stop before embarking on a professional football career. He's now in pole position to start against an in-form Vanderbilt Commodores side at the Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Caldwell will look to potentially lead the Longhorns to a statement win in their upcoming showdown.

In the meantime, here's what you need to know about the Longhorns vs. Commodores game:

• Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
• Livestream: FuboTV and DAZN
• Time: 11 a.m. CT
• TV Channel: ABC
• Venue: Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium

Edited by Nick Igbokwe