Is Arch Manning playing this week? Latest news, updates on Texas QB in concussion protocol

Arch Manning delivered the best performance of his collegiate career on Saturday, heroically rallying No. 20 Texas from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Mississippi State in a 45-38 overtime thriller. Manning threw for a career-high 346 yards and three touchdowns, adding one on the ground, as the Longhorns secured their third straight victory.

However, the euphoria of the comeback was immediately overshadowed by the star quarterback’s exit from the game. On the very first play of overtime, Manning scrambled for a first down but took a hard hit that slammed his head against the turf. After being evaluated in the medical tent, he did not return, forcing backup Matthew Caldwell to throw the game-winning touchdown pass.

Texas now prepares for a massive SEC clash this Saturday against the surging No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores in Austin, with both teams fighting to keep their College Football Playoff aspirations alive. For Texas to sustain its momentum, the quarterback position is paramount, but coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Monday that Arch Manning is currently in concussion protocol and did not practice. Sarkisian noted the team expects a further update on Manning's status later in the week. If Manning is ultimately sidelined, the Longhorns will turn to graduate transfer Matthew Caldwell to lead the offense against the Commodores.

Here's the latest updates on Manning's status for the game against Vanderbilt.

MORE: Arch Manning injury updates

Is Arch Manning playing this week?

Manning's status is still up in the air for this week against Vanderbilt, but he did not practice on Monday. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian told the media that Manning is in concussion protocol.

Arch Manning is in concussion protocol and did not practice on Monday, per Steve Sarkisian at his presser in Austin. pic.twitter.com/y5ctG6Y86l

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 27, 2025

Manning still has a few days to clear protocol, and if he does, he will play vs. Vanderbilt.

*This story will be updated with the latest information on Manning's status

What happened to Arch Manning?

On the first play of overtime, Manning scrambled for a first down, took a hit, and had his head violently slam into the turf. He was immediately removed from the game, forcing backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell to throw the game-winning touchdown.

— Kalshi CFB (@KalshiCFB) October 26, 2025

On Monday, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that Manning is currently in concussion protocol and did not practice with the team. According to NCAA regulations, he must clear a multi-step physical and cognitive progression, overseen by the team physician, making his status for the highly anticipated SEC showdown in Austin questionable.

If he is ultimately sidelined, the Longhorns will rely on Caldwell against the No. 9 Commodores.

MORE: Three key numbers from Texas' Week 9 win

Arch Manning injury update

After leaving the game and not returning on Saturday, Manning remains in concussion protocol and has not practiced.

Per NCAA rules, Manning cannot suit up unless he has officially cleared protocol.

NCAA football concussion protocols

Manning has been placed into the NCAA concussion protocol following the head injury he sustained during the overtime period against Mississippi State.

This immediate and mandatory removal from play is the first step in the protocol, ensuring the athlete cannot return to practice or competition on the same calendar day. As he was not present at practice on Monday, the beginning of the week is dedicated to symptom-limited physical and cognitive rest, strictly monitored by the team's medical staff.

For Manning to return, he must first become completely symptom-free and then receive written clearance from the team physician. Following that medical clearance, he must undergo a supervised, multi-step, graduated return-to-play progression. This typically involves a minimum of six stages -- each lasting at least 24 hours -- that gradually increase his activity level, moving from light aerobic exercise to sport-specific drills, and finally to full-contact practice. If symptoms reappear at any stage, he must drop back to the previous level of rest.

The final determination of an unrestricted return is made solely by the team physician or a qualified medical designee, and only after the player has successfully completed all stages of the progression without any recurrence of symptoms. This strict process means Manning's availability for the upcoming game against Vanderbilt will depend on how quickly his symptoms subside and how rapidly he progresses through the mandatory step-by-step protocol.

MORE: Texas QB Arch Manning suffers concussion vs. Mississippi State, per report

Texas remaining 2025 schedule

Texas has four games remaining, with three of them being against top-10 opponents.

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)
11/1	vs No. 9 Vanderbilt	12:00 PM
11/15	at No. 5 Georgia	TBD
11/22	vs. Arkansas	TBD
11/28	vs. No. 3 Texas A&M	7:30 PM

 MORE: Texas escapes in Starkville but questions linger for Arch Manning