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Texas might need to turn to a backup quarterback who wasn’t even on the roster after spring practice when they face Vanderbilt in a crucial SEC matchup this Saturday. Senior transfer Matthew Caldwell could get the start if Arch Manning can’t clear concussion protocol after hitting his head on the turf during last weekend’s overtime win at Mississippi State.
Caldwell didn’t waste his opportunity when called upon. The former Troy quarterback connected with Emmett Mosley on a 10-yard touchdown pass in overtime that proved to be the game-winner. This came after Manning led a gutsy 17-point comeback in regulation before his 13-yard scramble set Texas up in scoring position during the extra period.
The backup has already appeared in five games this season.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Caldwell took all the first-team reps in Monday’s practice while Manning recovers. It was Sarkisian who brought Caldwell in through the portal after spring camp, looking for experienced depth behind Manning and freshmen Trey Owens and KJ Lacey (who took second-team reps Monday).
From Troy to Texas
“What I liked about him on his visit was just his demeanor, his approach to it,” Sarkisian told reporters Monday. “It didn’t seem too big for him here. He didn’t feel entitled by any means. He was a guy who just wanted an opportunity.”
Caldwell’s journey to Texas wasn’t direct. The Auburn, Alabama native started his college career at Jacksonville State before playing two seasons at Gardner-Webb. He then transferred to Troy, where he took over as the starter midway through the 2023 season, finishing with 1,608 passing yards and 13 touchdowns against 8 interceptions.
He’s not just a pocket passer, either — Caldwell rushed for five touchdowns in his final four games at Troy, helping the Trojans win three of those contests.
Fans shouldn’t expect major changes to the offense if Caldwell gets the nod.
“The biggest thing that’s stood out about Matt Caldwell in limited snaps is his poise while stepping into pressure situations,” Horns247’s Eric Henry told CBS Sports. “Both of his appearances against Power Four teams have been in high-leverage moments and he’s delivered. Arch Manning loses his helmet and Caldwell is pressed into a 2nd-and-22 as Texas is trying to find a game-tying touchdown and proceeds to deliver a dime to Ryan Wingo for a first down.”
Manning’s Status Remains Uncertain
Manning’s absence from early-week preparation doesn’t necessarily rule him out for Saturday. There’s recent precedent for quick returns from concussion protocol in the SEC — South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers missed early practices after a hit against Vanderbilt earlier this season but was upgraded to probable midweek and didn’t miss a snap against Missouri.
The Longhorns will release their first official player availability report Wednesday night, with updates following before gameday.
Manning’s potential absence comes after what might have been his best performance of the season. The freshman threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground to keep the Longhorns’ playoff hopes alive with the comeback win at Mississippi State.
Sarkisian believes Caldwell’s experience in different offensive systems throughout his college journey has prepared him for this moment.
“The good thing for Matt, he’s a very even-keeled guy,” Sarkisian said. “I thought he had a great practice today. The players have a lot of confidence in him. He’s very engaged even when he doesn’t play.”
