Arch Manning Cleared to Start vs Vanderbilt

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been officially cleared through concussion protocol by team doctors and will start Saturday against No. 9 Vanderbilt, coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed. Manning returned to practice midweek after sustaining a concussion on the first play of overtime in last week's 45–38 win at Mississippi State, where he completed 29 of 46 for a career-high 346 yards with three passing TDs and a rushing score before exiting. Senior Matthew Caldwell relieved him and threw the overtime touchdown. The matchup is a de facto make-or-break game for Texas' College Football Playoff hopes — the Longhorns are 6–2 and ranked No. 20 while Vanderbilt is 7–1 and No. 9 — and Manning's availability restores their top offensive weapon. Through eight games Manning has 1,795 yards, 15 TDs and six interceptions, making his health and consistency key down the stretch with top-five matchups against Georgia and Texas A&M looming.