AUSTIN — Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has been cleared to return to the field after recovering from a concussion, and he is set to start against the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores this weekend. The announcement came on Friday night, as Manning was lifted off the injury report, confirming his readiness for the pivotal matchup.
Coaching Confidence in Manning
Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Manning’s starting position, according to reports from On3’s Chris Low. Initially, there were concerns about Manning’s health following a concussion sustained during the game against Mississippi State. Leading up to the game, Manning was listed as questionable, which raised the possibility that backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell would be called to action.
With Texas’ playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, Manning’s return is crucial. The Longhorns aim for their second Top-10 victory of the season, and Sarkisian believes Manning can lead the team effectively. Caldwell, who had been the center of attention during Manning’s recovery, will remain on standby, ready to step in if needed.
Player Performance and Injury Updates
In limited action this season, Caldwell has performed well, completing 8 of 11 passes for 85 yards and one touchdown, alongside two carries for 64 yards. Despite his readiness, Caldwell will not make his first career start just yet.
While Texas welcomes Manning back, they will likely be without starting safety Michael Taaffe. He has been downgraded to doubtful after suffering a thumb injury against Kentucky that required surgery. Taaffe, the team’s leading tackler with 51 tackles this season, was instrumental in the win over Kentucky, finishing with 10 tackles, one sack, and one interception.
With Taaffe’s status uncertain, the Longhorns will need to rely on players like Derek Williams Jr., Jelani McDonald, Xavier Filsaime, and Jordan Johnson-Rubell to fill the gap on defense. Texas looks to maintain their momentum as they face Vanderbilt, hoping to secure a key victory for the season.
