A final look ahead to the Texas Longhorns facing the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl…
No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan
When: 2:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Camping World Stadium
Last meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 (Texas won, 31-12)
Record: Texas 9-3 (6-2, SEC), Michigan 9-3 (7-2, Big Ten)
Sports Roundup
TV: ABC
What’s at stake?
With Texas football already starting to set up for next season, it is symbolic that the Longhorns are having their bowl game on the last day of 2025. They will get to start fresh after the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl — wiping the slate clean and starting the new year fully focused on building up the new team.
But first, both sides want to end 2025 on a high note.
This will be a shot for younger Longhorns to step up heading into next season. Although there may be mistakes made due to inexperience, there also may be some breakout performances from the group. Many players have opted out of the game and three coaches have been fired. No more Pete Kwiatkowski, Duane Akina or Chad Scott on the coaching staff. No more Anthony Hill Jr. or Michael Taaffe, both of whom have entered the NFL draft after becoming staples for the Texas defense. No more Quintrevion Wisner or 13 others who have entered the transfer portal.
For Michigan, this game is a chance to prove to the college football world that the drama surrounding their former head coach won’t affect them. Can they come together as a team and prove everyone wrong?
When Texas has the ball
Although seven offensive playmakers have entered the portal, quarterback Arch Manning will still have some of his usual targets available. The Manning and Ryan Wingo connection was shown in the open practice leading up to the bowl game, so a little time off hasn’t affected that connection much.
Wingo currently leads the Texas team with 50 receptions for 770 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Receiver Parker Livingstone will also bring his experience from the past season, with six receiving touchdowns, to give Manning another option deep.
Those players getting open downfield will be crucial for the Longhorns because the running back room looks pretty scarce. Not only did starting backs Wisner and CJ Baxter both enter the portal, but two backups did as well: Rickey Stewart Jr. and Jerrick Gibson.
Despite this, Texas can rely on redshirt freshman Christian Clark and sophomore Ryan Niblett to help generate yardage on the ground. Clark is a powerful runner on short yardage plays, acquiring 131 yards and one touchdown on 35 carries, and was seen practicing with the ones in Orlando. Niblett, on the other hand, found most of his success on special teams, ending the season with 448 yards and two touchdowns off of punt returns. He will likely be the second-team running back for the game.
Running backs Michael Terry III and James Simon, along with receiver Jaime Ffrench, will be freshmen to watch in the Citrus Bowl.
And it must not be forgotten that Manning is a dual-threat quarterback. He spent the first quarter of the season as Texas’ lead rusher, getting 244 yards on the ground. Granted, that was at the beginning of the season when Manning didn’t feel as comfortable keeping his eyes up and staying strong in the pocket. But if it comes down to it and head coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t feel like his running backs are generating enough yardage, he may call a quarterback rushing play.
When Michigan has the ball
The Texas defense is taking a harder hit than the offense by players opting out. Not only will they not have defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski calling the plays, but they will be missing seven key starters. Linebacker Liona Lefau entered the portal, while many others are declaring for the draft or are about to — including All-Americans Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe. This will create problems as they face a solid Michigan offense that likes to build off its run game.
However, the defensive side of the ball still has talented players to lean on. Johnny Nansen, who is familiar with the scheme and the players from his time as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, will call plays. In a media availability on Sunday, Nansen said that Ty’Anthony Smith and Colin Simmons brought the most energy in practices so far.
Coming quickly off the edge, Simmons has been a playmaker on defense for the past two seasons. This year, Simmons recorded 21 solo tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles. Having Simmons in Texas’ back pocket will be crucial to putting pressure on young Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
With the departure of three starting linebackers, having Smith take charge will be important on New Year’s Eve. He has been fairly consistent throughout the season, recording 31 solo tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Prediction
It might not be the prettiest game from either team. However, Texas still has enough talent on both sides of the ball to get the win and start the new year out on the right foot.
Score: Texas 28, Michigan 21