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Arch Manning started his first bowl game of his collegiate career for the Texas Longhorns, facing a Michigan Wolverines team with a chip on its shoulder following the Sherrone Moore controversy.
Manning lived up to the hype surrounding him at the beginning 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 neck and neck. The game was tied at 17 apiece at halftime. Manning had to dig deep and the defense had to play really 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 done. Bryce Underwood put the Wolverines ahead when he ran for a 5-yard score and nearly dropped the ball in the end zone. The Wolverines led 28-24 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 ‘NO REASON TO LEAVE’ TEXAS, WANTS TO CONTINUE HIS DEVELOPMENT
Underwood threw an interception on the next drive. Manning then handed over the dagger.
He took the snap and ran right up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Texas would only add a field goal later in the frame and that would be it.
Manning had four total touchdowns in the win. He totaled 376 yards, including 221 through the air and 155 on the ground. Manning’s rushing yards total was a career high.
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The Longhorns finished the 2025 season with 10 wins. It’s the third straight season Texas has reached 10 wins.
Michigan lost that game, but will usher in a new era with Kyle Whittingham taking over as head coach.
