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Arch Manning, Michael Taaffe both making "good progress" per Steve Sarkisian

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook10/30/25josephcook89

During his Thursday Zoom call, Steve Sarkisian provided an update on Arch Manning and Michael Taaffe.

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“Both Arch and Michael practiced again today,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t have anything beyond for Arch just because we have to follow the protocol and the days and the rest. Arch has made good progress as well as Michael.”

Manning and Taaffe were both listed as QUESTIONABLE on the initial Wednesday night SEC Student-Athlete Availability report. The next report comes out Thursday night at 7:10 p.m. Another comes out Friday night followed by one more 90 minutes before kickoff.

Manning left during overtime of Texas’ win at Mississippi State. Sarkisian said Monday that Manning was in concussion protocol. On Wednesday on the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Sarkisian said both Manning and safety Taaffe practiced. Sarkisian added that Taaffe practiced Tuesday as well.

This year, Manning is 143-for-235 for 1795 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also has rushed for six touchdowns. Taaffe has 51 tackles with 1.0 sack and one interception.

If Manning can’t go, Matthew Caldwell would get the nod. This year, he’s 8-for-11 for 85 yards and one touchdown. That one touchdown was the game-winner versus Mississippi State.

When asked if the offense would change with Caldwell under center, Sarkisian said “the gameplan is the gameplan.”

“We haven’t changed anything we’ve done,” Sarkisian said. “Our system has been our system. I know that his coaches and his teammates have the utmost confidence and respect for Matt Caldwell. He performs really well. I know you guys have a very small sample size of what you’ve seen in game, but he gives us a ton of confidence in the way he practices everyday, the way that he works. Naturally, he’s been thrown into the fire here a couple different times in SEC play and has performed very well. The gameplan is the gameplan. I think all of his teammates have a ton of confidence in him if it’s his time to go.”

Texas battles Vanderbilt this Saturday at 11 a.m. in Austin at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. ABC will televise the contest.

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