The Texas Longhorns are about to enter their toughest stretch of the season, starting with the No. 9-ranked Vanderbilt this week, followed by No. 5 Georgia, and so on. Now, the biggest question on everybody’s mind heading into Week 10 is whether Arch Manning will suit up. ESPN insiders may have some answers.

Last week, Arch Manning put up arguably the best performance of his career so far against Mississippi State in their 17-point comeback win. The former five-star went 26-of-42 for 381 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter. After the madness fourth quarter, the Longhorns secured the 45-38 win, but it came at a price. Manning suffered a concussion on a scramble during overtime when his head hit the turf.

On October 31, ESPN insider Molly McGrath reported on ESPN College Football that there’s “growing optimism” Manning will be cleared to play when the Longhorns host Vanderbilt at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. His final status will shall be decided Saturday morning after he meets with the Longhorns’ medical staff.

McGrath shared the update about 24 hours before kickoff, saying that Manning’s chances to play are looking strong. “I think his chances (to play) look really good,” McGrath said. She also mentioned that Manning has made steady progress throughout the week and hasn’t had any setbacks while in concussion protocol. That’s some positive sign for Texas heading into the matchup.

Even head coach Steve Sarkisian is also encouraged by what he’s seen from his young quarterback. Manning returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since entering concussion protocol. According to McGrath, Sarkisian said that when Manning practiced, “he shocked people with how good he looked.”

Still, nothing is official yet. Manning must be cleared by doctors Saturday morning before he can play. McGrath noted that “The Longhorns are hopeful that Manning will be available for this game,” but fans will have to wait just a little longer to know for sure. The final decision will depend on how he feels during his pregame evaluation, but as Molly said, there’s a pretty good chance that Manning will play.

If Manning is cleared, he’ll face off against Vanderbilt’s star quarterback Diego Pavia in what could be a crucial battle for Texas and their playoff hopes. The Longhorns’ entire 2025 campaign hinges on this matchup. Moreover, they’ll have a special guest in the stadium this weekend, someone who could very well define the Longhorns’ future in the post-Arch Manning era.

5-star Kavian Bryant to Texas? Commitment day this weekend

Over the past few months, the Texas Longhorns have been keeping tabs on the five-star quarterback recruit Kavian Bryant. The Texas native is ranked as the No. 1 QB in his class by Rivals and has drawn national attention from the heavy-hitting programs. On Saturday, Bryant will announce his college decision, choosing between Texas, Texas Tech, SMU, and Florida State.

Bryant has been one of the most exciting young players in the country. During his 2024 sophomore season at Westwood High, he threw for 2,442 yards and 34 touchdowns while also rushing for 709 yards and 11 scores. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have had strong success developing quarterbacks in recent years, including Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, and they’re hoping Bryant will want to be the next big name to join that tradition. He even visited Austin in June for a Longhorns camp, which only increased Texas’s interest in bringing him aboard.

Bryant’s big decision will come on this weekend against Vanderbilt. If the Longhorns can secure both a win and Bryant’s commitment, it would be a weekend to remember in Austin.