Steve Sarkisian, Texas Receive Bad News Before Vanderbilt Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 11:11 AM ET

Steve Sarkisian and the No. 20 Texas Longhorns are 6-2, with a matchup against the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday. Their only losses this season came against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida Gators.

Unfortunately, Texas (3-1 SEC) is dealing with several injuries, including to senior safety Michael Taaffe. In Week 8 against the Kentucky Wildcats, he suffered a thumb injury, which required surgery. It caused him to miss Texas' most recent game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

However, there was hope that Taaffe would be available against Vanderbilt (7-1, 3-1 SEC). He was questionable on the first and second injury reports and doubtful on the third. That meant Taaffe's availability would be a game-day decision.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, according to KXAN News' Billy Gates, Taaffe was officially ruled out in the final injury report on Saturday.

"Final SEC injury report ahead of Vandy/Texas is in. Only player listed for Texas is Michael Taaffe, and he's out for today's game #HookEm," Gates wrote.

This season, the safety has appeared in seven games and been one of Texas' best defensive players. He has racked up 51 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one interception.

Final SEC injury report ahead of Vandy/Texas is in. Only player listed for Texas is Michael Taaffe, and he's out for today's game #HookEm
— Billy Gates (@GatesOnSports) November 1, 2025

Taaffe is a veteran presence on the defense, playing with the Longhorns since 2022, and even earned second-team AP All-America honors at defensive back last season.

The Longhorns are going up against an explosive Vanderbilt offense led by quarterback Diego Pavia. The Commodores rank second in the SEC in points per game (38.4) and sixth in yards per game (433.6).

After Taaffe originally got injured, Sarkisian named Derek Williams and Xavier Filsaime as two players who could "step in for him."

With Texas looking to avoid a third loss and keep its SEC title and College Football Playoff hopes alive, it'll need to do so without Taaffe for a second straight game.

Kickoff is at noon ET at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, airing on ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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