Arch Manning Leads Texas to Citrus Bowl 41-27 Victory over Michigan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arch Manning delivered a breakout performance with four total touchdowns to power No. 14 Texas past No. 18 Michigan, 41-27, in the Citrus Bowl. Playing without nine starters, Texas leaned on Manning’s passing and rushing to secure a 10-win season. Michigan’s chaotic month ended with a disappointing loss and more coaching changes.
Texas vs. Michigan Citrus Bowl Quick Looks
- Arch Manning throws for 221 yards, 2 TDs
- Manning rushes for 155 yards, 2 TDs
- Texas plays without 9 starters due to injury, transfers
- Christian Carter steps in with 105 rushing yards
- Longhorns end season with 10-3 record
- Texas scores go-ahead 60-yard TD late in 4th
- Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood throws 3 interceptions
- Interim coach Biff Poggi exits with loss
- New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham watches from press box
- Texas wins despite 21 combined penalties in game
- Longhorns avenge CFP snub with strong bowl statement
- Michigan finishes season 9-4 amid NCAA turmoil
- Peyton Manning’s Citrus Bowl legacy echoed by nephew Arch
- Manning named Citrus Bowl MVP
Deep Look: Arch Manning Leads Texas to Citrus Bowl 41-27 Victory over Michigan
ORLANDO, Fla. — With several key players sidelined and postseason frustrations lingering, No. 14 Texas turned to Arch Manning — and the freshman phenom delivered in a big way.
Manning used both his arm and legs to dominate the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, powering the Longhorns to a 41-27 win over No. 18 Michigan. His dynamic performance capped a season of growth for Texas and reminded college football fans that the Manning name continues to thrive under the brightest lights.
The Longhorns entered the bowl game without nine starters due to injuries and transfer portal entries. Yet head coach Steve Sarkisian saw his depth step up — notably Christian Carter and Kaliq Lockett — and was thrilled by how his team responded to adversity.
“We played without nine starters,” Sarkisian said. “And it created great opportunities. That’s the culture we have here.”
Of course, having Arch Manning under center didn’t hurt. Manning threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 155 yards and two scores. His dual-threat capability kept Michigan’s defense guessing and ultimately proved too much to contain.
The highlight of the night came late in the fourth quarter when Manning burst up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown run, giving Texas a 38-27 lead — the first two-score margin of the game. It was a backbreaking play that sealed the Longhorns’ 10th win of the season and secured Manning’s MVP honors.
“That one felt good,” Manning said. “No disrespect to the Citrus Bowl, but I’m not trying to come back again.”
The game also drew nostalgic comparisons to Manning’s uncle, Peyton Manning, who famously lit up the Citrus Bowl in 1997 while playing for Tennessee, throwing for over 400 yards. Wearing the same No. 16 jersey in orange, Arch added his own chapter to the family legacy.
Texas Answers the Challenge
Despite being shorthanded, Texas rose to the occasion. Backup running back Christian Carter stepped in for three departed starters and rushed for 105 yards on 20 carries. Lockett, elevated due to injury, caught a 30-yard touchdown pass — one of Manning’s best throws of the day.
Carson Clark, a freshman receiver, also contributed in the passing game, continuing his steady rise in Texas’ offense. The team’s ability to plug in young players and still perform at a high level highlighted Sarkisian’s recruiting depth and culture.
Texas (10-3) finishes the season strong after missing the College Football Playoff despite a preseason No. 1 ranking. With the new 12-team playoff format arriving, the Longhorns’ bowl win signals they’ll be a threat in 2026.
Michigan’s Collapse Caps Chaotic Month
For Michigan, the Citrus Bowl was the bitter end to a turbulent few weeks. Interim coach Biff Poggi stepped in following the firing of Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed amid personal misconduct allegations. Moore was also later arrested and charged with multiple crimes.
The Wolverines played hard but ultimately came up short. Bryce Underwood, a freshman quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance with a 5-yard rushing touchdown and two passing scores. However, he was picked off three times in the final 18 minutes of the game, killing any hopes of a comeback.
Underwood finished 23-of-42 for 199 yards, and he added 77 rushing yards. His touchdown dive to the pylon briefly gave Michigan a 27-24 lead with just under 11 minutes remaining. But turnovers on back-to-back drives, including two interceptions by Ty’Anthony Smith, doomed the Wolverines.
Biff Poggi, who led Michigan to wins over Nebraska and Central Michigan during Moore’s prior suspension, confirmed postgame he would not be returning under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“I thought the kids played hard,” Poggi said. “This isn’t a rebuild. Coach Whittingham is going to inherit a full cupboard with great kids.”
Whittingham, the longtime Utah coach, watched the game from the press box after being hired to lead Michigan into 2026. He inherits a team (9-4) that remains talented but faces NCAA probation, potential penalties, and staff transitions.
Other Highlights and Takeaways
Michigan’s ground game remained solid behind Bryson Kuzdzal, who rushed for 82 yards on 20 carries and converted multiple fourth-and-short opportunities. But top receiver Andrew Marsh was limited to just 10 receiving yards.
Texas, meanwhile, played aggressively on both sides of the ball. The Longhorns defense made key stops and capitalized on Michigan’s turnovers.
One blemish on the game was the penalty count. The two teams combined for 21 penalties, including a critical blindside block by Michigan deep in Texas territory. Two plays later, Underwood threw a costly interception.
Despite the flags, the atmosphere remained intense in a stadium decorated by sponsor Cheez-It, whose branding made the field appear dusted in yellow — mirroring the abundance of penalty flags thrown throughout the contest.
Looking Ahead
Texas: The Longhorns will open their 2026 season at home against Texas State on September 5. With Arch Manning returning and a strong recruiting class incoming, Texas is poised for a national title push.
Michigan: Kyle Whittingham will begin filling out his coaching staff ahead of the Wolverines’ home opener against Western Michigan on September 5. Stability will be key as Michigan navigates NCAA sanctions and internal rebuilding.
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