University of Texas at Austin quarterback Arch Manning is in concussion protocol and did not practice on Monday, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. The news raises major questions about the Longhorns’ immediate future just days before a critical showdown.
What Does Arch Manning’s Injury Mean for Texas?
This development puts the No. 20 Longhorns (6-2, 3-1) in a tough spot ahead of their upcoming matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt. Sarkisian also noted that the team would get an update on Manning’s injury later in the week. The quarterback, considered a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite, was injured on the first play of overtime in Texas’ eventual 45-38 win over Mississippi State. After the play, Manning tried to get up with help from Texas offensive tackle Brandon Baker before motioning for trainers from a seated position on the turf.
At the time of his injury, Manning had passed for 1,795 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Should he be unavailable for the game against the Commodores (7-1, 3-1 SEC), the Texas offense will likely be handed to graduate transfer Matthew Caldwell.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the concussion protocol update for Manning on Monday afternoon. However, many fans don’t seem to believe the official story. “’Concussion protocol’…. Sure,” one college football fan said on X.
“Concussion protocol”…. Sure 😏
— ATLiens17 (@ctraylor15) October 27, 2025
Others speculated that the move was a way to protect Manning or a sign of his impending departure. One fan suggested that this proves Manning is headed to the NFL. “Sarkisian is tryin to distract you. He is headed to the NFL,” another said.
Sarkisian is tryin to distract you. He is headed to the NFL.
— James Chokelin (@JamesChokelin) October 27, 2025
Manning struggled for much of the early season but played his best game on Saturday, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns as Texas rallied from 17 points down in the fourth quarter. Despite the quarterback’s early-season struggles, the Longhorns are currently riding a three-game win streak. Someone else posted, “Keep the kid on concussion protocol for the rest of the season…”
Keep the kid on concussion protocol for the rest of the season…
— John Kang (@JKang76511) October 27, 2025
Some believe the team is “Hiding arch from the heat,” as another said.
Hiding arch from the heat
— HermonJames (@RealHermonJames) October 27, 2025
Before leaving the game, Manning was 29-for-46 for 346 yards with three touchdowns, one interception, and a rushing touchdown. This season, he has completed 143 of 235 passes for 1,795 yards with 15 touchdowns, six interceptions, and six rushing touchdowns. Another fan suggested this latest development is a disguised “Soft benching,” according to him.
Manning was replaced by the previously mentioned Caldwell, who was 1-for-1 for 10 yards, connecting on the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to Emmett Mosley V. In his career for FBS teams across Troy and now Texas, Caldwell is 141-for-223 for 1,698 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
