Texas gets Arch Manning clarity ahead of Vanderbilt game

Arch Manning should be back on the field for this week’s SEC tilt.

Manning — who had been listed as questionable after suffering a concussion last week — is off the injury report and is expected to start against No. 9 Vanderbilt on Saturday, ESPN reported.

This development comes after Manning entered the concussion protocol following Texas’ thrilling 45-38 win against Mississippi State.

Manning, 21, slammed his head on the turf after a rough tackle from two Bulldogs defenders during the first play of overtime.

Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns grabs his leg during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. Getty Images

The junior stayed on the ground until team personnel checked on him before being taken to the medical tent.

Senior quarterback Matthew Caldwell finished the win for the Longhorns while Manning was on the sideline for the remainder of the game.

Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns passes the ball during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. Getty Images

Caldwell threw a touchdown in overtime that sealed the win for Texas.

“I think his rapport with Arch was a big part of it. They have a great relationship,” Sarkisian said of Caldwell following the game. “What a moment for that guy to step in and make that throw.”

Before exiting the game, Manning threw for a career-high 346 passing yards with three passing touchdowns and a rushing score while completing 29-of-46 passes.

After the Bulldogs held a three-possession lead early in the fourth quarter, the Longhorns scored 17 unanswered points in one of their best performances of the season, which sent the game to overtime.

“Once a year you have culture wins and that was our culture win (against Kentucky earlier this month). I think we got a mulligan because this was our culture win,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a group of guys.

“Our toughness was going to have to be the best it’s ever been for our program.”