Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan Wolverines: Arch Manning Steals the Show in Citrus Bowl Thriller
You know that feeling when you hype up a matchup in your head for weeks, only for the actual game to be a total dud? Yeah, this wasn’t that. Not even close. The Citrus Bowl gave us exactly what we craved to close out 2025: two heavyweights with the Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines, two former No. 1 overall recruits under center, and enough drama to make a reality TV producer blush.
In the end, it was Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns who had the last laugh, pulling away late to beat Michigan 41-27. And folks, if this was a preview of Manning’s 2026 campaign, we are in for a wild ride.
The Arch Manning Show
Let’s just get right to it. Arch Manning was electric. Finishing with 221 yards through the air and a career-high 155 on the ground, Manning put the team on his back when it mattered most. We aren’t just talking about efficient game management here. We’re talking about a “create something out of nothing” brilliance that had the Michigan defense grasping at air.
He became the first QB since Lamar Jackson (way back in the 2015 Music City Bowl) to drop 150+ rushing yards, two passing TDs, and two rushing TDs in a bowl game. That’s elite company. His fourth quarter? Pure cinema. First, he drops a dime to freshman Kaliq Lockett for a 30-yard score to retake the lead.
Then, after the defense forces a turnover, Manning calls his own number and scampers 60 yards to the house, effectively turning out the lights on the Wolverines’ season. The kid has wheels, and he’s not afraid to use them.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
This game was billed as Manning vs. Bryce Underwood, and for three quarters, it lived up to the billing. Underwood, Michigan’s true freshman phenom, looked every bit the part early on. He was making throws, using his legs, and giving the Texas defense fits. When he dove for the pylon early in the fourth quarter to put Michigan up 27-24, it felt like the momentum had fully swung toward the Maize and Blue.But then the wheels fell off.
Underwood threw interceptions on back-to-back possessions late in the game, including a pick by Texas linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith that felt like the final nail in the coffin. It was a harsh lesson for the freshman, but make no mistake, the talent is there. He just ran into a buzzsaw in the fourth quarter.
Next Man Up for Texas
We have to talk about the roster situation because Texas was playing with one hand tied behind its back. With key starters like Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe prepping for the NFL Draft, and others hitting the transfer portal, Coach Sarkisian had to rely on the depth chart. Enter the young guns. Running back Christian Clark, who barely saw the field this season, looked like a seasoned vet, punching in a score and racking up yards.
Ty’Anthony Smith stepped into the linebacker void and delivered two massive interceptions. It wasn’t perfect. There were penalties, a botched snap that killed a drive, and some special teams gaffes, but the “next man up” mentality wasn’t just a clichรฉ today. It was the difference-maker.
What This Means Moving Forward
For Michigan, it’s a harsh wake-up call after a chaotic December that included coaching changes and off-field drama. They fought hard under interim coach Biff Poggi, but the turnovers were killer. For Texas, this is a massive springboard. Despite missing the College Football Playoff, securing a third straight season with double-digit wins is huge for the culture in Austin.
Manning proved he’s ready to beย the guyย without looking over his shoulder. The defense showed it has young playmakers ready to step up. As we head into the offseason, the hype train for the 2026 Longhorns is officially leaving the station. And with Arch Manning at the helm, it’s going to be moving fast.
