Arch Manning Concussion Confirmed in Spring Game

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is currently in concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury during the team’s Orange-White spring game last Saturday at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The highly anticipated freshman reportedly hit his head on the turf after taking a hit from a defender during the intra-squad scrimmage.

Head Coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed the injury earlier this week, telling reporters that Manning “got dinged up” and “got hit in the head” during the game. Despite the concerning nature of the injury, Sarkisian offered an optimistic outlook, stating, “He’s doing well now, and all the updates are positive.” The coach even suggested Manning might be “just a day or two away from being fully cleared.”

However, the mandatory nature of concussion protocols means Manning will likely miss the remainder of the Longhorns’ spring practices, which are scheduled to wrap up on April 20th. This absence, while temporary, represents a minor setback for the young quarterback’s development, as spring sessions are crucial opportunities for players, especially freshmen, to gain valuable reps, learn playbooks, and acclimate to the speed of collegiate football.

Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, arrived in Austin as one of the most celebrated high school recruits in recent memory. He is currently listed as the third-string quarterback on the depth chart, behind incumbent starter Quinn Ewers and promising redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy. While his immediate playing time isn’t directly impacted by this injury, the lost practice time is a missed chance to further integrate into the offense and build chemistry with teammates.

The incident occurred during a competitive contest that saw Manning’s White team narrowly defeat the Orange team 35-34. The university’s adherence to stringent concussion protocols reflects a broader commitment in college athletics to prioritize player safety and ensure athletes fully recover before returning to competition.

Manning’s progress through the protocol will be closely monitored, with the expectation he will be fully cleared well in advance of summer workouts and fall camp, where the real battle for positioning and readiness for the upcoming season will intensify.