Updated Dec. 31, 2025, 6:06 p.m. CT
Showing off the improvement that Texas fans saw in the second half of the season, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning shined in a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Manning finished the game 21 of 34 for 221 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also had an incredible 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just nine carries.
Not surprisingly, the Texas defense struggled at times. The defense was hit hard by bowl opt outs, be it through the transfer portal or the NFL draft. There were a lot of young players on the field that made a lot of mistakes, especially against the run. UT gave up 174 yards rushing.
But the day belonged the Manning, whose season would make a good movie. The redshirt sophomore looked confident all day. He made good decisions, made (mostly) good throws and showed a willingness to use his feet in a more deliberate way than we’ve seen this season.
Manning’s highlights in this game will be played a lot over the summer. His 30-yard TD pass to Kaliq Lockett was a thing of beauty and his 60-yard TD run would make Vince Young proud.
Texas also got a solid day from redshirt freshman running back Christian Clark. Forced into the starting job with the transfers of Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter, Clark was a force early in the game.
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In the end, the defense got organized and were key to the win down the stretch. The Horns intercepted Michigan QB Bryce Underwood three times, two were made by sophomore Ty’Anthony Smith with in one minute of each other.
The game didn’t mean a whole lot. But it will give the Longhorns good vibes as the head into the offseason.
– Final -Fouth Quarter: Michigan 27, Texas 41Texas adds FG after INT
A Mason Shipley 51-yard field goal has extended the Texas lead. Michigan is out of time outs and there are less than three minutes left.
Smith Picks Again
Sophomore Ty’Anthony Smith is making a case to be a 2026 starter. The DB has his second interception in less than a minute. Underwood is really struggling for Michigan down the stretch.
Manning off to the races
As we said earlier, there’s been a concerted effort to utilize Manning’s feet more. He just broke the game open with five minutes left on a 60-yard touchdown run right up the middle. Arch was never touched and was accelerating away from the Michigan defenders.
Underwood throws another Interception
For the second time in the second half, Michigan QB Bryce Underwood has killed a promising drive with an interception. This time he didn’t see Ty’Anthony Smith underneath the receiver. Smith’s INT gives Texas the ball at the Texas 40 yard line.
Manning: Land and Air
After a huge clutch scramble run on fourth down, Arch Manning threw a perfect 30-yard TD pass to Kaliq Lockett. Manning is really showing off his improvement today.
Long review upholds Michigan TD
A Bryce Underwood 5-yard TD underwent a long review. The question was did the QB fumble before the ball hit the pylon. The ruling of a TD on the field was eventually upheld, giving Michigan the lead.
Third Quarter: Michigan 20, Texas 24Ryan Wingo out of game
I looks like Texas has lost WR Ryan Wingo. It is unclear if he is totally out for the rest of the game. ABC reported Wingo was in the medical tent for a long time and has taken off his helmet.
Texas picks off Underwood
With Michigan in the redzone, Bryce Underwood threw a bad ball that was intercepted by freshman Wardell Mack. Texas has the ball and the lead.
Manning runs Texas to Lead
Helped by a roughing the passer penalty on Michigan, Texas has taken the lead on a 23-yd Touchdown Run by Arch Manning. There has clearly been a focus on letting Manning run more in this game. He has 72-yards rushing on six carries. Any running back would take that.
Wolverines take lead again
Michigan’s first drive of the second half resulted in a field goal thanks to a couple gutsy fourth down conversions. Big Blue settles for a Dominic Zvada 31-yard field goal.
Wind Advantage?
The wind is really strong at Camping World Stadium today. I have been in that stadium several times. It is low profile and provides no protection for anyone from the sun or wind. Texas has the wind in the fourth quarter, which could really come into play late in this game.
Michigan starts on Offense
The Wolverines won the toss, and deferred to the second half. They get the ball first and are going with the wind.
– HALFTIME -Second Quarter: Michigan 17, Texas 17Michigan misses FG at end of half
After the snap snafu, Michigan got the ball and put together a nice late drive. But kicking into the strong wind, Dominic Zvada missed a 44-yard field goal as time ran out on the first half.
Bad Snap costs Texas Points
On third down, Arch Manning was looking at the sideline when the ball was snapped and went right by him. Manning scrambled and fell on it for a 12-yard loss that moved Texas out of field goal position.
Manning Shines on TD Drive
With his feet and his arm, this TD was all about Manning, highlighted by a 17-yard TD pass to tight end Jack Endries.
Wolverines march to Lead
Michigan answered Texas’ long drive with one of its own. A run heavy seven play, 69 yard drive lead to a Bryce Underwood to Andrew Marsh four yard TD pass.
Longhorns answer with TD Drive
Arch Manning led the Texas offense on an 11 play, 75 yard drive capped by a three-yard TD run by Christian Clark. The key play on the drive was a fourth down conversion. Texas lined up in its field goal formation. Then switched to a heavy run package. Arch Manning ran a QB keeper and got around the corner for 19-yards to set up first and goal.
First Quarter: Michigan 10, Texas 3On further review: Touchdown Michigan
A play that was oringally called incomplete has been rulled a Michigan touchdown after video review. Bryce Underwood 19-yard back-shoulder fade to Kendrick Bell looked out of bounds. But review showed he got a his knee down in bounds.
Niblett Fumbles
Ryan Niblett fumbled on the first play of Texas’ third possession deep in Longhorns territory. Michigan recovered and are in the redzone.
Michigan ties Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
The Wolverines knotted the game up after a seven play, 40 yard drive was capped by a Dominic Zvada 53-yard field goal. The kick was with the strong wind.
Texas defense throws Big Blue back
The UT defense had a strong showing on Michigan’s first offensive possession. UM QB Bryce Underwood was sacked on 3rd & 18 to set up a punt.
Longhorns kick FG on first drive
UT had a nice drive to open the game. Manning was 4 for 6 and Christian Clark had a nice 22-yard run. But the drive sputtered out and Mason Shipley hit a nice 43-yard field goal into a strong wind. His draw would have made every golfer proud.
Texas gets the ball first
Michigan won the toss and decided to defer.
PregameCheez-It Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs
Transfer Portal:
Quintrevion Wisner, RBCJ Baxter, RBDeAndre Moore, WRTrey Owens, QBAaron Butler, WRSantana Wilson, CBConnor Stroh, OLMelvin Hills III, DTDerek Williams Jr., DBLiona Lefau, LBJerrick Gibson, RBWill Stone, K
2026 NFL Draft:
Anthony Hill Jr., LBMichael Taaffe, DBMalik Muhammad, DBJaylon Guilbeau, DBEthan Burke, EDGETrey Moore, LB/DETexas Longhorns Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Depth Chart:
Quarterback:
Running Back:
Christian ClarkJames SimonMichael Terry
Wide Receiver:
Ryan WingoEmmett Mosley V.Ryan NiblettParker LivingstoneDylan McCutcheonJaime FfrenchKaliq Locket
Tight End:
Jack EndriesSpencer ShannonWill RandleJordan WashingtonNick TownsendEmaree Winston
Offensive Tackle:
Trevor GoosbyBrandon BakerAndre CojoeJadon ChatmanNick Brooks
Offensive Guard:
Nate KibbleJackson ChristianDevin ColemanNeto UmeozuluJordan Coleman
Center:
Connor RobertsonDaniel Cruz
Defensive End:
Brad SpenceColton VasekColin SimmonsZina UmeozuluLance Jackson
Defensive Tackle:
Hero Kanu (RS)Alex JanuaryLavon JohnsonMaraad WatsonJustus TerryMyron CharlesJosiah Sharma
Linebacker:
Cornerback:
Malik MuhammadGraceson LittletonKobe BlackWarren RobersonKade PhillipsCaleb Chester
Safety:
Jelani McDonaldJordan Johnson-RubellJonah WilliamsXavier FilsaimeZelus HicksJon Cunningham