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Arch Manning made his first bowl game start of his college career for the Texas Longhorns and was facing a Michigan Wolverines team with a grudge following the Sherrone Moore controversy.
Manning lived up to the expectations surrounding him at the start of the season and led Texas to a massive 41-27 victory in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a receiver during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game against Michigan, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
For the most part, Texas and Michigan were tied. The game was tied at 17 apiece before halftime. Manning had to work hard and the defense had to play very hard to get the lead and keep it.
Manning found tight end Jack Endires for a 17-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. After Michigan kicked a field goal, Manning came back with a 23-yard touchdown run.
Michigan wasn’t over. Bryce Underwood put the Wolverines ahead when he ran for a 5-yard score and nearly fumbled in the end zone. The Wolverines took a 28-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. But the Longhorns stayed hot. Manning led the team on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, right, is stopped by Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan during the first half of the NCAA Citrus Bowl college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
ARCH MANNING SAYS THERE IS NO REASON TO LEAVE TEXAS, HE WANTS TO INCREASE ITS DEVELOPMENT
Underwood threw an interception on the next series. Manning then handed over the dagger.
He took the snap and ran up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Texas would just add a field goal later in the frame and that would be it.
Manning had four total touchdowns in the victory. He had 376 total yards, including 221 through the air and 155 on the ground. Manning’s rushing yardage total was the highest of his career.
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The Longhorns finished the 2025 season with 10 wins. It is the third consecutive season that Texas has reached the 10-win mark.
Michigan lost this game, but will embark on a new era with Kyle Whittingham taking over as head coach.
