Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns clinched a nail-biting 45-38 overtime victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs last Saturday. It was a career-best performance for the quarterback, who completed 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards, along with three touchdowns and one interception.
However, at the end of the game, Manning had to leave the field after he got smacked against the ground, which landed him on the concussion protocol.
Currently, he is on the fourth or fifth step, which is being able to do individual sport exercise and activity without any risk of inadvertent head impact exposure and non-contact practice with progressive resistance training.
On Wednesday, head coach Steve Sarkisian shared important news on Arch Manning’s progress ahead of the Vanderbilt showdown, saying that the Texas QB is still in protocol. He further shared that both Manning and Michael Taaffe practiced on Wednesday, which gives fans hope for their potential return in week 10.
“Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol. But Michael has practiced the last two days,” Sarkisian said.
Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning and Michael Taaffe, says both Taaffe and Manning practiced today: “Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol. But Michael has practiced the last two days.”
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) October 29, 2025
Steve Sarkisian Asks for Review on Hit That Injured Arch Manning
Steve Sarkisian talked to the press on Tuesday and said he has turned in a few plays since the Mississippi State game, including the one that hit Arch Manning. He added that it is not an uncommon practice, and they did so just to make sure they have an understanding of the rules, so that they are not left complaining to the officials on game days.
“I haven’t gotten a ruling back on it yet, but that’s why we do it, so that next week, when I meet with officials before the game, I can have that discussion on certain issues that arise, not only in our games, but other games,” the head coach said.
“Maybe it’s the opponent that we’re getting ready to play, or other games around the league, just so that there’s a level of consistency in the officiating, then I’ll know how much time to spend complaining in the game,” Sarkisian added.
Texas is set to face Vanderbilt in a Week 10 showdown at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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