Arch Manning Injury Update: Texas QB in Concussion Protocol After OT Win at Mississippi State

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is in the concussion protocol after taking a hard hit to the back of his head on the first play of overtime in Saturday’s road win at Mississippi State (Oct. 25). He did not practice on Monday, Oct. 27, and his availability for this week’s matchup with Vanderbilt remains undetermined pending medical clearance.

What happened to Arch Manning vs. Mississippi State

Late in a back-and-forth game, Manning scrambled for a 13-yard gain on the opening snap of overtime and was driven down as he slid, with the back of his helmet contacting the turf. He walked to the sideline with trainers and headed to the medical tent. Texas finished the possession — and the game — with the backup under center, sealing an overtime victory.

Manning had authored his best statistical outing of the season before the injury: 346 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a rushing score, powering a double-digit fourth-quarter comeback that forced the extra period.

Arch Manning injury status heading into Vanderbilt

Texas’ head coach said Monday that Manning is in the concussion protocol, did not participate in the morning practice, and will be evaluated throughout the week. The decision on whether he can face Vanderbilt will be made by medical staff, not by the coaching staff or player. In the meantime, the backup handled first-team reps to open the week and led the winning series in Starkville after Manning exited.

Key points for the week:

• Practice participation: Non-contact or limited work would be an incremental sign; a full return would indicate progress through the protocol’s milestones.

• Independent clearance: Even if symptoms resolve, medical professionals must sign off before he can play.

• Game plan flexibility: Texas will prep parallel scripts for either quarterback, with an emphasis on protection and quick-game concepts if Manning is cleared.

How the concussion protocol typically works

While specifics can vary, modern return-to-play protocols follow a staged progression:

1. Symptom-limited rest: Monitoring headaches, dizziness, light/noise sensitivity, sleep, and cognitive function.

2. Light aerobic activity: Stationary bike, brisk walking; no resistance training.

3. Sport-specific exercise: Jogging, footwork, and non-contact quarterback drills.

4. Non-contact practice: Helmet on, participating in team periods without contact.

5. Full contact after clearance: Medical staff authorizes return to full practice; if tolerated, the player becomes eligible for game action.

Any symptom recurrence typically resets an athlete to the prior step.

Why Manning’s status matters beyond one game

Offense on the rise. Texas leaned into vertical shots and tempo against Mississippi State, and Manning’s timing with his receivers clicked in high-leverage downs. Keeping that rhythm intact — whether with him or a backup — will shape the SEC stretch run.

Protection priorities. The hit that sidelined Manning came off a scramble. Expect an emphasis on quicker decisions, designed rollouts that define the read, and backs or tight ends chipping edge pressure to reduce exposure.

Program optics and long-term health. A cautious approach is common with head injuries, particularly for a high-profile quarterback in late October. Texas has depth and a path to keep its goals intact without rushing a return.

Snapshot: timeline and what to watch

Schedule subject to change.

Football implications if Manning sits

• Run/pass balance: Expect a heavier lean on the ground game with play-action shots, simplifying reads and protecting the pocket.

• Explosive plays by design: Jet motion, screens, and layered crossers can manufacture explosives without exposing the QB to extended scramble risks.

• Red-zone tweaks: More tight-end usage and QB-protective calls — sprint-outs, quick fades, RPOs — reduce hits while preserving efficiency.

The Arch Manning injury is being handled within the standard concussion protocol: no Monday practice, daily evaluation, and medical judgment driving any return. His breakout performance in Starkville underscores how much he moves Texas’ ceiling, but the next snap will come only after he clears each step symptom-free. Until then, the Longhorns are preparing for Vanderbilt with contingency plans — and the confidence that their late-game poise can travel no matter who starts under center.