Overview
- Texas lists Arch Manning as questionable in concussion protocol after he practiced midweek, and multiple reports say his status will be determined at kickoff.
- If Manning cannot go, Matthew Caldwell is expected to start, prompting projections of a more conservative Longhorns offense focused on quick throws and field position.
- Vanderbilt arrives 7-1 with dual-threat quarterback Diego Pavia fueling a top-15 efficiency offense and a defense that has limited opponents’ red-zone success.
- Sportsbooks price Texas around -2.5 to -3 with totals near 45–46.5, and several analysts favor the under given both teams’ methodical pace and strong defenses.
- Texas has won three straight and returns home with SEC and CFP aspirations at stake, while the tactical hinge is containing Pavia’s mobility against the Longhorns’ pass rush.