Texas QB Arch Manning in concussion protocol after Mississippi State win; Steve Sarkisian expresses confidence in backup Matthew Caldwell
With Manning’s status uncertain for Saturday’s matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt, Sarkisian expressed full confidence in backup Matthew Caldwell’s readiness to lead the offense.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Monday that quarterback Arch Manning is in concussion protocol after exiting last week’s game against Mississippi State. Manning did not practice Monday, leaving his status for Saturday’s matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt in question.
“He did not,” Sarkisian said when asked if Manning practiced. “He’s in protocol right now. We’ll have more information as the week goes on.”
A Tough Blow After a Gritty Win
Manning’s injury came late in a physical 45-38 win over Mississippi State, a game defined by Texas’s resilience and defensive discipline. The sophomore quarterback completed 29-46 for 346 yards and three touchdowns before leaving after the final offensive drive of last Saturday’s overtime win.
The victory, though hard-fought, came at a cost — and now the Longhorns’ quarterback depth is being tested at a crucial stretch of the season.
Caldwell Steps In
With Manning sidelined, redshirt senior Matthew Caldwell took first-team reps in Monday’s practice. Sarkisian said the transition looked smooth, crediting Caldwell’s temperament and consistent preparation.
“I think the good thing for Matt — he’s a very even-keeled guy,” Sarkisian said. “I thought he had a great practice today. The players have a lot of confidence in him. It’s his maturity, his approach. He’s very engaged even when he doesn’t play.”
Sarkisian praised Caldwell’s leadership on the sideline throughout the season, noting how that energy has carried over to the huddle.
“If you ever watch our sidelines in-game, 18 is probably the most engaged player out there,” Sarkisian continued. “He’s always picking guys up — offense, defense, special teams. He’s got a really good relationship with the guys. It felt very comfortable. It felt very normal today.”
“The Moment’s Not Too Big for Him”
Caldwell, who transferred to Texas after stints at two previous programs, has earned trust through consistency and poise. Sarkisian said those traits were evident even during the quarterback’s recruitment visit.
“He’s a guy that’s been in a variety of systems,” Sarkisian said. “He has athleticism. He throws a really good ball. What I liked about him on his visit was just his demeanor. It didn’t seem too big for him here. He didn’t feel entitled by any means — he was a guy who just wanted an opportunity.”
That steady confidence, Sarkisian said, has translated into performance. “He’s played well every time we’ve put him in the game. Whether it’s been at the end of games with long runs or in spots like at Florida where he had to come in and throw a ball to Ryan Wingo on an end cut — he’s always been ready.”
Teamwide Respect
Beyond the technical readiness, Sarkisian highlighted Caldwell’s connection with his teammates — and with Manning.
“I think what he’s done is earn the respect of his teammates,” Sarkisian said. “His demeanor, who he is as a teammate, and his relationship with Arch are all important to that. When you produce, you get respect, too. His teammates know that’s not easy — to come in off the bench and do what he’s done.”
That respect, Sarkisian added, carries over into the locker room. “He’s got great rapport with the guys. He’s an awesome teammate. They enjoy being around him.”
Looking Ahead to Vanderbilt
Texas will host Vanderbilt on Saturday in Austin, a matchup that could carry postseason implications as the Longhorns push to stay in the top tier of the SEC standings. Whether Manning clears concussion protocol in time remains uncertain, but Sarkisian’s confidence in his backup suggests the Longhorns won’t be unprepared if Caldwell starts.
In the meantime, Sarkisian said the program’s focus is on keeping Manning healthy — and keeping the offense humming.
“We’ll see how the week unfolds,” he said. “Arch’s health comes first. But I thought today, from an operation standpoint, we were sharp. That’s a credit to Matt, and to our team responding the right way.”
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