Overview
- The SEC's initial availability report lists Texas QB Arch Manning as questionable for Saturday after he practiced Wednesday but remained in concussion protocol, per Steve Sarkisian.
- Starting safety Michael Taaffe is also questionable following recent thumb surgery and has practiced this week, with a potential to play in a protective cast, according to team reports.
- If Manning is not cleared, graduate transfer Matthew Caldwell is expected to start after replacing Manning and throwing the overtime game-winner at Mississippi State.
- No. 20 Texas hosts No. 9 Vanderbilt (7-1) at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday at noon ET on ABC in a matchup with SEC and CFP implications.
- Oddsmakers have Texas as a narrow favorite (BetMGM around -1.5), with ESPN’s analytics giving the Longhorns roughly a 70% chance to win.