Texas defeated Michigan 41–27 in the Citrus Bowl, a matchup featuring two programs looking to build momentum heading into the 2026 season.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning delivered a dominant, career-defining performance, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 155 yards and two more scores. The junior capped his night with a 60-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, sealing Texas’ second consecutive 10-win season and earning Citrus Bowl MVP honors.
After a rocky start to the season, Manning led No. 13 Texas (10–3) to seven wins in its final eight games, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He took control in the second half, scoring on a 22-yard run to give Texas a 24–20 lead in the third quarter before delivering the knockout blow with his 60-yard sprint up the middle to make it 38–27.
Manning also converted two critical fourth downs, including a 19-yard run that set up a short touchdown by running back Christian Carter. Carter, starting amid roster turnover with three Texas running backs entering the transfer portal, ran for 105 yards on 20 carries.
Manning finished the season as the Longhorns’ starter with a 10–3 record, throwing for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. After early-season losses to Ohio State and Florida that featured multiple turnovers, he rebounded by tossing 15 touchdowns against just two interceptions over the final eight games. Manning has announced he will return to Texas for his junior season in 2026.
Michigan finished the season 9-4 behind freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who completed 23 of 42 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns while adding 77 rushing yards on 13 carries—his second-highest rushing total of the season against a Power Four opponent. Underwood kept the Wolverines competitive through the first three quarters and even gave Michigan a brief lead with a five-yard touchdown run to make it 27–24 with just under 11 minutes remaining.
However, the game unraveled late. Underwood threw three interceptions in the final 20 minutes, including one in the red zone late in the third quarter and two more as Michigan attempted to rally. Texas defensive back Ty’Anthony Smith intercepted two of those passes, halting any comeback hopes.
The bowl game came amid significant transition for Michigan. Newly hired head coach Kyle Whittingham was in attendance after being announced as the program’s replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was fired earlier in the month. Biff Poggi served as Michigan’s interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl.
In the end, Manning’s explosiveness and Texas’ timely defensive plays proved too much, as the Longhorns closed their season with a statement win and clear momentum heading into 2026.
