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With Arch Manning in concussion protocol, Steve Sarkisian feels comfortable with Matthew Caldwell

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook3 hours agojosephcook89
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Matthew Caldwell (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

With Arch Manning currently in concussion protocol according to Steve Sarkisian, there’s a chance that back-up quarterback Matthew Caldwell records his first start as a Longhorn on Saturday against the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores.

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Caldwell completed his only pass of the game at Mississippi State in relief of Manning, who had to leave in overtime of Texas’ win over the Bulldogs in Starkville. He threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V to put Texas ahead 45-38.

Program-wide belief in Caldwell was seen when the officials ruled Mosley’s toe-tap touchdown a catch after review. Texas’ O-line, as well as players from a number of different offensive and defensive positions, celebrated with Caldwell after his first touchdown pass as a Longhorn.

“I think what he’s done is earn the respect of his teammates,” Sarkisian said Monday. “His demeanor, who he is as a teammate, his relationship with Arch is very important to that. I think they have a lot of respect for him that way. Then when you produce, you get respect too because his teammates know that’s not easy to come in off the bench and do what he’s done in a couple of different games.”

Sarkisian also spoke about Caldwell’s personality and standing within the program not only as Manning’s back-up, but just as player on the Texas roster.

“He’s a very even-keeled guy,” Sarkisian said. “I think the players have a lot of confidence in him, his maturity, his approach. He’s very engaged even when he doesn’t play. If you ever watched our sidelines in-game, 18 is probably the most engaged player on that sideline. He’s always picking guys up on offense, defense, and special teams. He’s got a really good relationship with the guys, so I don’t think it’s like ‘who is this guy?’ He’s in a lot of faces a lot of the times. It felt very comfortable and felt very normal today.”

Texas is Caldwell’s fourth school. He started his career at Jacksonville State after a career at Auburn (Ala.) High School. Following one season with the Gamecocks and two seasons at Gardner-Webb, Caldwell transferred to Troy for the 2024 campaign. With the Trojans, he was 141-of-223 for 1608 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his career.

Even though Caldwell made the jump to the FBS in 2024, Sarkisian didn’t see a player who was overwhelmed by the Texas program or who thought he had made it just by putting on the burnt orange. He saw a player who could provide a veteran presence in the quarterback room considering the two other quarterbacks, Trey Owens and KJ Lacey, had limited combined experience entering the 2025 season.

“What I liked about him on his visit, which was probably the biggest thing, was just his demeanor and his approach to it,” Sarkisian said. “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’s what we were looking for, a guy who had taken some snaps in college football. That’s how he’s performed since the day he got here. He’s worked at it throughout camp and throughout the season.”

With Caldwell taking the first-string snaps on Monday according to Sarkisian, that moved Lacey up to the back-up spot. Lacey, a true freshman from Saraland (Ala.) High School, has made one appearance this year but has moved past the redshirt freshman Owens on the depth chart. Sarkisian praised Lacey’s work with the twos on Monday as part of a strong first 10 months on campus. Sark even said “the ball moves forward when he plays.”

“He really performs at a high level. He’s a gamer,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got a natural feel for passing the ball. He’s got a natural feel in the pocket and anticipating throws. He uses his legs really well. To that point, I feel like the more this guy grows in our system, he’s going to really elevate his game as he continues to go. That’s what he’s done.”

Sarkisian hopes he won’t have to utilize Lacey on Saturday, confidence from his work in scrimmages against second- and third-stringers notwithstanding. If he does have to go with Caldwell, there’s one thing he wants to see No. 18 continue to do.

“He’s making the most of his opportunities,” Sarkisian said.

Another one might show up Saturday depending on Manning’s status.

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