Can Texas still win if Matthew Caldwell starts against Vanderbilt? Inside Steve Sarkisian’s confidence in his backup QB

The Texas Longhorns could be facing a defining moment this Saturday. One that could test the program’s preparation and depth. After their thrilling 45–38 overtime win against Mississippi State, sophomore quarterback Arch Manning has entered concussion protocol after taking a massive hit late in Saturday's game. His availability for the Nov. 1 matchup against No. 9 Vanderbilt remains uncertain.

If Manning can't suit up, the offense will be led by redshirt senior Matthew Caldwell, a well-traveled quarterback who has earned the confidence of his teammates and head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Why Sarkisian believes in his backup QB

“I think the good thing for Matt is he’s very even-keeled,” Sarkisian said during his weekly media availability. “He had a great practice today. The players have a lot of confidence in him. It’s his maturity, his approach. He’s very engaged even when he doesn’t play.”

That steady demeanor has been part of Caldwell’s identity since arriving at Texas as a transfer from Troy. Known for his composure and team-first attitude, Caldwell quickly built chemistry with both coaches and teammates.

Sarkisian pointed to that leadership when asked about the quarterback transition this week.
“If you ever watch our sidelines during games, 18 is probably the most engaged player out there,” he said. “He’s always picking guys up — offense, defense, special teams. He’s got a really good relationship with everyone. It felt comfortable. It felt normal today.”

To Sarkisian, that sense of normalcy matters. With Texas sitting in the heart of the SEC title race, he needs a quarterback who doesn’t flinch.

Matthew Caldwell’s college career has spanned multiple programs, giving him one of the more seasoned résumés among backup quarterbacks in the SEC. Across stints at Jacksonville State, Gardner-Webb, Troy, and now Texas, Caldwell has thrown for roughly 3,800 passing yards with 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, while adding more than 400 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. His most productive stretch came at Troy in 2024, when he started five games and totaled 1,608 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and five rushing scores, earning a reputation for efficiency, accuracy, and leadership under pressure.

Caldwell is no stranger to pressure and his adaptability is one of the reasons Sarkisian was drawn to him.

“He’s a guy that’s been in a variety of systems,” Sarkisian said. “He has athleticism and throws a really good ball. What I liked about him on his visit was his demeanor. It didn’t seem too big for him here. He didn’t feel entitled. He just wanted an opportunity.”

That opportunity came last weekend when Manning exited in the fourth quarter against Mississippi State. Caldwell entered in overtime and audibled into the game-winning touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley — a throw that instantly validated Sarkisian’s confidence.

“He’s played well every time we’ve put him in,” Sarkisian said. “Whether it’s late in games or in tough spots, he’s always ready.”

Inside the program, Caldwell’s presence has never been limited to what happens between the lines. Sarkisian emphasized that the senior has earned credibility through consistency, effort, and genuine relationships.

“I think what he’s done is earn the respect of his teammates,” Sarkisian said. “His demeanor, who he is as a teammate, and his relationship with Arch are all important to that. When you produce, you get respect too. His teammates know that’s not easy — coming in cold and performing when it matters.”

That connection extends throughout the roster. “He’s got great rapport with the guys,” Sarkisian added. “He’s an awesome teammate. They enjoy being around him.”

For a team that’s weathered injuries and high-pressure moments all fall, that level of trust could be as valuable as any game plan.

Can Texas Win With Caldwell Against Vanderbilt?

The short answer is yes. The longer answer depends on how effectively Texas plays to Caldwell’s strengths.

With him under center, expect Sarkisian to lean on the running game, simplify the reads, and rely on quick, efficient passing to control tempo. Caldwell’s athleticism allows him to extend plays, while his decision-making keeps the offense on schedule.

Texas also has the defensive depth to handle a Vanderbilt team that thrives on explosive plays and creative tempo. The Longhorns’ secondary will need to stay disciplined, while the front seven must control the line of scrimmage and shorten the field for Caldwell.

In short, the formula is there: a poised veteran quarterback, a complete roster, and a coaching staff confident in its process.

Saturday’s game will be a test of Texas’s identity — a chance to prove that its foundation extends beyond one star quarterback.

“We’ll see how the week unfolds,” he said. “Arch’s health comes first. But I thought today, from an operational standpoint, we were sharp. That’s a credit to Matt and to our team responding the right way.”

If that sharpness holds through Saturday, Texas could survive without Arch Manning and remind the SEC that its strength runs deeper than one name on the depth chart.