Arch Manning Cleared to Play: Can Texas Shock Vanderbilt in a Stunning Upset?

Well, it’s been exactly six weeks since the Texas Longhorns last strolled onto the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium turf, and you better believe the anticipation is thick in the Austin air. Ranked 20th and facing a tough No. 9 Vanderbilt squad, this isn’t just any homecoming game—it’s a vital crossroads before their second bye week kicks in. Sitting at a decent 6-2 overall and holding a 3-1 record in conference action, the Longhorns still have their eyes on the prize, even if that rough patch against the Gators left a sour taste. Coach Steve Sarkisian knows there’s zero wiggle room now; snagging a win against Clark Lea’s feisty Commodores is non-negotiable if the Longhorns want to keep their SEC championship and College Football Playoff dreams alive. And here’s a silver lining: quarterback Arch Manning’s back in the mix after clearing concussion protocol, with only safety Michael Taaffe sidelined—meanwhile, center Cole Hutson is finally making his return. Things are heating up… and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. LEARN MORE

AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time in 42 days, the No. 20 Texas Longhorns are back at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, hosting the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores and hoping to avoid a Halloween hangover heading into the season’s second bye week.

At 6-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, the season’s objectives are still on the table for the Longhorns despite last month’s loss to the Gators in Gainesville, but there’s little margin for error — to stay in the SEC championship and College Football Playoff races, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s team needs a victory against the upstart Commodores under fifth-year head coach Clark Lea.

Texas will benefit from the availability of redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who was taken off the team’s injury report on Friday night after spending the week in concussion protocol. The only player out for the Horns is redshirt senior safety Michael Taaffe, which also means the return of senior center Cole Hutson, who hasn’t played since the win over Oklahoma.