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Arch Manning made his first bowl game of his college career for the Texas Longhorns and was facing a Michigan Wolverines team with a chip on their shoulder following the Sherrone Moore controversy.
Manning lived up to the hype surrounding him early in 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 neck and neck. The game was tied at 17 apiece before halftime. Manning had to dig deep and the defense had to play really hard to take the lead and maintain it.
Manning found tight end Jack Endires for a 17-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. After Michigan scored a field goal, Manning returned with a 23-yard touchdown run.
Michigan wasn’t done. Bryce Underwood gave the Wolverines the lead when he ran for a 5-yard score and almost lost the ball 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 Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
ARCH MANNING SAYS THERE’S ‘NO REASON TO LEAVE’ TEXAS, WANTS TO CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT
Underwood threw an interception on the next drive. Manning then delivered the dagger.
He took the snap and ran straight up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Texas would only add one field goal later in the frame and that would be that.
Manning threw for 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 a career high.
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The Longhorns finished the 2025 season with 10 wins. This is the third consecutive season that Texas has reached the 10-win mark.
Michigan lost that game, but will embark on a new era with Kyle Whittingham taking over as head coach.
