Arch Manning Injury Update: QB in Concussion Protocol Ahead of Matchup vs. Vanderbilt

The Texas quarterback left his team's win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

Arch Manning left Texas's win over Mississippi State on Saturday. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

There's a chance the No. 20 Texas Longhorns could be without quarterback Arch Manning in their contest against No. 9 Vanderbilt this coming weekend.

After the 21-year-old left his team's thrilling overtime victory over Mississippi State last Saturday with what appeared to be a head injury, coach Steve Sarkisian relayed on Monday that the quarterback is in concussion protocol and did not practice with the team to begin the week. It remains to be determined if he'll be able to suit up against the Commodores.

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

On Texas' game-winning possession in overtime, Manning scrambled for 13 yards before being hit in the head and slamming it on the ground beneath him. After reportedly looking "a little bit woozy" as he walked to the sideline, the QB visited the medical tent and did not return.

Prior to exiting the game, Manning completed 29 of 46 pass attempts for a career-high 346 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while also finding the endzone on the ground. The injury is an unfortunate turn of events for the Longhorn quarterback, who seemed to have finally found a groove amid his team's three-game winning streak.

So, where will Texas turn if Manning can't go on Saturday against Vanderbilt? Here's a look at the Longhorns' current quarterback depth chart.

Texas Football QB Depth Chart

String	Player	Class
Starter	Arch Manning	R-So.
Backup	Matthew Caldwell	R-Sr.
Third	Karle Lacey Jr.	Fr.
Fourth	Trey Owens	R-Fr.
Fifth	Luke Dunham	Fr.

Manning's backup is redshirt senior Matthew Caldwell, who entered Saturday's game against Mississippi State and delivered a go-ahead touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V to secure the win.

Behind Caldwell in the room are three freshmen—two true and a redshirt—in Karle Lacey Jr., Trey Owens (RS), and Luke Dunham.

Kickoff for Saturday's SEC matchup between Texas and Mississippi State is set for 12:00 p.m. ET from Austin's DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

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