Arch Manning injury update: Steve Sarkisian says Texas QB is in concussion protocol

In overtime of their win over Mississippi State, Texas quarterback Arch Manning suffered a big hit that knocked him out of the game. Prior to his injury, Manning enjoyed his best game of the season.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed Manning was in “the protocol” Monday. His status moving forward is unclear.

He completed 29/46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception. He added one more score on the ground, bringing his touchdown total to four on the night.

For the second consecutive week, No. 22 Texas squeaked out an overtime road victory over a conference opponent. Saturday night, the Longhorns overcame a 31-14 fourth quarter deficit to hold off Mississippi State’s upset bid 45-38 in overtime.

The Longhorns now sit at 6-2 and are still alive in their quest for a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. Manning missing no time and being ready to go next weekend would be phenomenal news for the Longhorns, but that’s up in the air.

They host red-hot No. 10 Vanderbilt in Austin next Saturday night. Following that game, the Longhorns will close the season against No. 5 Georgia, Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M.

Arch Manning in concussion protocol in busy week for Texas

Before even getting to the stadium, Saturday got off to a weird start for Texas. Reports emerged regarding Steve Sarkisian and his potential interest in taking an NFL job. Specifically, the Tennessee Titans after they fired Brian Callahan.

Not too long after, Sarkisian’s agency put out a statement on the matter. They say Sarkisian is “solely focused” on being the Texas head coach.

“Any reports regarding communications on coaching opportunities with NFL teams are patently false and wildly inaccurate,” the statement read. “Sark is solely focused on coaching the University of Texas football team.”

Sarkisian is in his fifth season and is fresh off back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. Both resulted in tough semifinal losses, being quite close to appearing in the national championship game. While many thought Texas would be back in that position in 2025, it has not worked out as such thus far.

The college football coaching carousel can produce almost anything. If nothing else, Sarkisian’s future is something to watch as the offseason grows closer.