Texas Eyes Playoff Push as Arch Manning Progresses Through Concussion Protocol Ahead of Vanderbilt Clash

The Texas Longhorns began the season with championship expectations, opening as the nation’s top-ranked team. Yet, midway through the year, the journey has been anything but smooth. Despite their immense talent and depth, Steve Sarkisian’s squad has battled inconsistency, close calls, and injuries that have tested its resilience.

Now sitting at 6–2 and ranked inside the top 10, Texas still controls its postseason destiny. The path, however, will be anything but easy. The Longhorns have managed to stay afloat with three straight wins — including back-to-back overtime escapes against Kentucky and Mississippi State — but their margin for error is gone.

This weekend marks the start of a defining stretch that could determine whether Texas earns a College Football Playoff berth or watches from the sidelines. The Longhorns host No. 9 Vanderbilt, a team with momentum and a defense capable of disrupting any offensive rhythm.

The biggest storyline entering Saturday’s game centers on the health of quarterback Arch Manning, who suffered a concussion in the Week 9 win over Mississippi State. His availability could make or break Texas’ playoff aspirations in the season’s final month.

1. Manning Returns to Practice, But Status Remains Uncertain

Arch Manning’s progress this week has been a welcome development for Texas fans. The sophomore quarterback, who exited late in the Mississippi State win after taking a hit to the head, returned to practice on Wednesday — a major step forward in his recovery. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that Manning participated in team drills, noting that while the quarterback has not yet fully cleared concussion protocol, his presence on the field is “a very positive sign.” With two days remaining before kickoff, optimism is growing that Manning could start against Vanderbilt. If Manning isn’t cleared, backup Mattlew Caldwell — a transfer from Troy — would step in. Caldwell handled himself well in relief last week, helping close out the game, but the Longhorns’ offensive ceiling is unquestionably higher with Manning under center. The former five-star recruit has improved each week, showing poise, accuracy, and leadership that have steadied Texas through tight games. Texas’ offense will need its full complement of weapons against a disciplined Vanderbilt defense. Manning’s availability, combined with Sarkisian’s play-calling, could determine whether the Longhorns can overcome their recent slow starts and put together a complete performance.

2. Key Injuries Loom Large for Texas Defense

While Manning’s health has dominated headlines, the Longhorns are also monitoring another critical injury — star safety Michael Taaffe’s thumb issue. Taaffe, one of the team’s most reliable defenders and a key communicator in the secondary, has missed recent time but was back on the practice field for a second consecutive day Wednesday. Sarkisian has not confirmed whether Taaffe will play, but his return would be a major boost for a Texas defense that has relied heavily on younger players in recent weeks. Against Vanderbilt’s balanced attack, having Taaffe’s experience and football IQ on the back end could prove pivotal. The Longhorns’ defense has been solid but inconsistent, ranking near the top of the SEC in sacks but giving up key plays in the passing game. Vanderbilt’s offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Dylan Jacobs, thrives on extending plays and finding space downfield — a formula that could exploit a short-handed Texas secondary. If Taaffe can go, his presence should stabilize communication and coverage. If not, Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski may be forced to rotate personnel to keep up with Vanderbilt’s tempo.

3. A Defining Stretch Awaits Sarkisian and Texas

Saturday’s meeting with Vanderbilt begins a season-defining month for the Longhorns. Three of Texas’ final four opponents — Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M — are ranked, with the latter two representing some of the toughest matchups in college football. Texas has the talent to run the table, but doing so will require sharper execution and consistency than it has shown in recent weeks. Offensive drives have too often stalled due to penalties and missed assignments, while defensive lapses have allowed opponents to stay close late in games. Sarkisian has emphasized discipline and finishing drives in practice, stressing that the team must play “complete football” to meet its championship goals. That message resonates louder now, with the Longhorns’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Ultimately, Manning’s health could decide how far this team goes. If the young quarterback can return at full strength, Texas has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. But if he’s limited or unavailable, the margin for error becomes razor-thin.