Texas knocks off No 9 Vanderbilt behind Arch Manning, playoff hopes surge

Arch Manning has averaged 305.5 total yards per game in two starts, making Texas dominate despite Quinn Ewers’ absence. Colin Cowherd and Joel Klatt discuss Texas’ championship aspirations.

Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns are moving closer to playoff contention after a disappointing start to the season.

The No. 20-ranked Longhorns held on to beat No. 9 Vanderbilt 34-31 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Manning, 21, was impressive in the win. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws before a college football game against Vanderbilt. The game took place in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 1, 2025. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)

It was his second straight week with an impressive performance, as he completed 29 of 46 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in their overtime win over Mississippi State last week. 

Texas started off fast against Vanderbilt. On the first play from scrimmage, Manning hit wide receiver Ryan Wingo on a screen pass for a 75-yard touchdown. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia fumbled on the ensuing possession, setting the Longhorns up for a field goal to make it 10-0 just a couple of minutes into the game.

The Longhorns took a 17-0 lead into the second quarter after Manning led a 10-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown pass to running back CJ Baxter.

BILL BELICHICK NOTCHES FIRST POWER FOUR WIN OF COLLEGE CAREER IN WIN OVER SYRACUSE

Texas Longhorns celebrate after running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium