Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Texas QB Arch Manning's best game of season ends with injury

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 9:04 AM ET

Saturday's 45-38 overtime win against Mississippi State might have been a turning point game in the season for the Texas Longhorns and their embattled quarterback, Arch Manning. But even that came with something of a dark cloud.

After a rocky start in the first half, Manning was sensational in the second half, finally looking like the much-hyped quarterback prospect he was when he arrived at Texas, and completed 29-of-46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, while also running for a fourth touchdown.

So what's the dark cloud? He left the game on the first play of overtime after appearing to hit his head on the turf.

It was the second time he was banged up in the game, having previously gone to the medical tent in the first half following his touchdown run.

He was replaced in overtime by backup Matthew Caldwell, who completed his only pass for a 10-yard touchdown.

Texas had no update on Arch Manning's status after the game

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had no update on Manning's status after the game, only to say that he was still being evaluated.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said he doesn't have an Arch Manning injury update
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) October 26, 2025

It is a testament to how frustrating this season has been so far for Manning and Texas that when he finally delivers a big game, against a power-four conference team, he does not actually get to finish the game and has to deal with an injury issue.

Entering play on Saturday, Manning's season could best be described as disappointing, as he had passed for just 1,449 yards while throwing five interceptions. His best games were against the softest part of Texas's schedule, while he had struggled mightily against the SEC and power-conference teams.

His inconsistent start played a big role in Texas going from the preseason No. 1 team down to the fringes of the top-25. Still, Saturday was a nice glimpse into what he is capable of and what Texas envisioned from him when he arrived.

If Texas is going to salvage this season, it is not only going to need Manning healthy, but it is also going to need him to be playing the way he did in the second half on Saturday. The remainder of Texas' schedule is extremely daunting and features Vanderbilt, Georgia, Arkansas and Texas A&M. That is three top-10 teams.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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