Arch Manning leads Texas past Bryce Underwood, Michigan as Longhorns end 2025 with Citrus Bowl win

The Longhorns outlasted Michigan in a New Year's Eve showdown of high-profile quarterbacks

Arch Manning turned in a memorable performance to lead No. 13 Texas to a 41-27 Citrus Bowl victory over No. 18 Michigan on Wednesday. The Longhorns' star quarterback capped his redshirt sophomore season by outperforming Michigan's Bryce Underwood in a back-and-forth battle between two former No. 1 overall prospects.

Underwood began the fourth quarter scoring by putting Michigan ahead 27-24 with an acrobatic 5-yard touchdown run. But Manning took command from there. First, he hit Kaliq Lockett for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Then, after an Underwood interception, Manning put the Wolverines away with a 60-yard touchdown run.

Manning became the first quarterback to finish a bowl game with 150 or more rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns since Lamar Jackson did it for Louisville in the 2015 Music City Bowl. His highlight-reel fourth quarter capped a penalty-plagued affair between two teams jockeying for their 10th victories.

Though it's been a tumultuous December for Michigan, the Wolverines put forth a vigorous effort under interim coach Biff Poggi. But with its top two pass rushers unavailable after opting out, Michigan struggled to pressure Manning, who finished with 221 passing yards and 155 rushing yards.

It was just the third ever meeting between the two historical powers, and Texas has won all three.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 7:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

The win improved Texas to 10-3 and marked its third straight season of 10+ victories under coach Steve Sarkisian. Though the Longhorns fell just short of reaching the CFP, it was still a successful campaign by the program's pre-Sarkisian standard. Between 2010 and 2022, the Longhorns won 10 games just one time. That Texas winning "only" 10 games now feels like a down season is a sign of the progress Sarkisian has made in restoring Texas to its former glory. Ultimately, this was the preseason No. 1 team in the AP poll, and failing to make the CFP is a disappointment. But it's hard to argue it was a failure for Texas, especially not if the lessons of 2025 for quarterback Arch Manning translate into greater triumphs next season.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 7:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan star quarterback Bryce Underwood fizzled late with three interceptions in the second half, including picks on back-to-back passes in the fourth quarter. But it was still a fun quarterback showdown between two players who were No. 1 ranked prospects in their respective recruiting classes. The Wolverines' interim staff resolved to let Underwood cook, and he flashed his immense upside by hurting Texas both a passer and runner. In the end, Manning won the QB battle with a memorable fourth quarter. But at a time when bowl season is often defined by who isn't playing, this game featuring two big-name quarterbacks delivered as both played and provided highlights that made it a game worth watching.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 7:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas was playing without a significant chunk of its top offensive skill talent, but that simply allowed Manning to shine brighter. His first season as the Longhorns' starter featured plenty of ups and downs, but it ended on a great note. His Citrus Bowl MVP performance was the sort of showing that can serve as a launching pad into 2026. It would have been even better if the Longhorns' pass-catchers had been a bit more helpful. A handful of catchable passes from Manning fell to the turf in the first half. Though he finished just 21 of 34 through the air, Manning was dialed in and delivering well-placed passes all game long.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 6:58 pm ET · David Cobb]

Final: Texas 41, Michigan 27

Arch Manning turned in a memorable performance to lead No. 13 Texas to a 41-27 Citrus Bowl victory over No. 18 Michigan on Wednesday. The Longhorns' star quarterback capped his redshirt sophomore season by outperforming Michigan's Bryce Underwood in a back-and-forth battle between two former No. 1 overall prospects.

Underwood began the fourth quarter scoring by putting Michigan ahead 27-24 with an acrobatic 5-yard touchdown run. But Manning took command from there. First, he hit Kaliq Lockett for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Then, after an Underwood interception, Manning put the Wolverines away with a 60-yard touchdown run.

Manning became the first quarterback to finish a bowl game with 150 or more rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns since Lamar Jackson did it for Louisville in the 2015 Music City Bowl. His highlight-reel fourth quarter capped a penalty-plagued affair between two teams jockeying for their 10th victories.

Though it's been a tumultuous December for Michigan, the Wolverines put forth a vigorous effort under interim coach Biff Poggi. But with its top two pass rushers unavailable after opting out, Michigan struggled to pressure Manning, who finished with 221 passing yards and 155 rushing yards.

It was just the third ever meeting between the two historical powers, and Texas has won all three.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 6:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Bryce Underwood made some really nice plays in the Citrus Bowl, but this has been a second half to forget for the true freshman. He's been intercepted three times and was just wrestled down for a sack while trying to make something happen for a Michigan team that is trailing by 14 with just under a minute remaining.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 6:36 pm ET · David Cobb]

5:06 4Q: Texas 38, Michigan 27

Arch Manning just turned out the lights on Michigan with a 60-yard touchdown run to put Texas ahead 38-27. He's up to 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns to go along with a couple of passing TDs. What a game for Manning, who has officially won the quarterback battle. Underwood's second interception of the second half set up Texas with the football, and Manning took it all the way on the first play of the series.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 6:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

6:54 4Q: Texas 31, Michigan 27

Arch Manning is getting an early start on his 2026 Heisman Trophy campaign. He just threw a dart to Kaliq Lockett for a 30-yard touchdown to put the Longhorns back ahead. He's nearing 100 yards rushing and has three total touchdowns. It's now Bryce Underwood's turn in what has been a banger of a QB battle.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 6:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Early 4Q: Michigan 27, Texas 24

Bryce Underwood was reaching for the pylon while trying to score a go-ahead touchdown for Michigan. However, it appeared the ball was coming loose from his grip as he reached out. But since the ruling on the field was a touchdown, they decided to uphold it. That one could have gone either way, but it went to the Wolverines as a strong performance for Underwood continues with his first rushing touchdown of the game.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 5:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

End 3Q: Texas 24, Michigan 20

The intensity is rising in Orlando as the Citrus Bowl heads to the fourth quarter with Michigan facing a fourth-down decision in Texas territory. While it has been a penalty-plagued game, the care factor is there for both teams as they each fight for a 10th victory. Both star quarterbacks have been putting their bodies on the line by scrambling, and they've both made highlight-reel plays to make this game between big-name brands a really good one.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 5:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

Late 3Q: Texas 24, Michigan 20

Faced with a third-and-17 from the Texas 25 yard-line, Bryce Underwood took a deep shot that never stood a chance. It fluttered into the arms of Texas cornerback Wardell Mack for Michigan's first turnover of the game. That was the first "uh oh" of the game for Underwood. Had he thrown it away, the Wolverines could have settled for a field goal to draw within 24-23.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 5:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

5:38 3Q: Texas 24, Michigan 20

Arch Manning just reeled off a 23-yard touchdown run to a cap a penalty-fueled drive that gave Texas the lead. A roughing the passer penalty and a pass interference call helped position the Longhorns for that score. Manning also had a 12-yard scramble earlier on the drive and is up to 72 yards rushing. Texas has its first lead since it was 3-0.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 5:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

9:37 3Q: Michigan 20, Texas 17

Michigan started in solid field position following a 43-yard kickoff return from Andrew Marsh to begin the third quarter and then ate some clock by leaning on its run game while reaching the red zone. Bryce Underwood fired to the end zone on third down, and Marlin Klein got his hands on the football. But couldn't corral what would have been a fantastic catch, and the Wolverines settled for a field goal.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 4:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Half: Michigan 17, Texas 17

Dominic Zvada missed a 45-yard field goal attempt wide right on the final play of the first half to send the Citrus Bowl into halftime locked at 17-17. Michigan chose to be aggressive with less than a minute left in the first half, and it nearly paid off. Bryce Underwood's 20-yard strike to tight end Marlin Klein helped spark a drive, but it resulted in no points. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining first half as both Bryce Underwood and Arch Manning showed glimpses of their talent.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 4:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

0:48 2Q: Texas 17, Michigan 17

A brutal blunder just ruined Texas' hopes of taking the lead before halftime. Arch Manning was looking over to the sideline, the ball was snapped and it just kept rolling backwards. Eventually, he fell on it for a loss of 22. That was more than enough to knock the the Longhorns out of field goal range. Between five penalties, that botched snap and a fumble on a kickoff return, Texas has just been a bit a sloppy.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 4:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

After an offensive flurry over the middle of the first half, the teams are now trading punts. With under four minutes left in the first half, Texas is getting the football back with a chance to take the lead for the first time since it was 3-0.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 4:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Mid 2Q: Michigan 17, Texas 17

A nice quarterback battle is brewing between a pair of former No. 1 overall prospects. Arch Manning just answered Bryce Underwood's touchdown drive by leading one of his own. He finished it off by finding Jack Endries wide open for a 17-yard touchdown strike. Manning threw an absolute dime to Ryan Wingo for a gain of 26 a couple of plays earlier to get Texas into Michigan territory.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 4:05 pm ET · David Cobb]

10:17 2Q: Michigan 17, Texas 10

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood just set up another Wolverines' touchdown with a 33-yard scramble that established Michigan at the Texas 4-yard line. He flipped a touchdown pass to Andrew Marsh on the next play to put the Wolverines back ahead. Underwood totaled 53 yards as a runner on that drive as he continues piecing together a very nice performance.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Early 2Q: Michigan 10, Texas 10

Faced with a fourth-and-1 play from the Michigan 22-yard line, Steve Sarkisian chose to keep his offense on the field. A tight end was lined up under center as a decoy, but Texas snapped it past him and straight to Arch Manning, who rumbled for a 19-yard gain. Christian Clark scored on the next play to tie this game at 10-10 early in the second quarter.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:51 pm ET · David Cobb]

End 1Q: Michigan 10, Texas 3

Texas is driving as the second quarter begins in what's shaping up to be a competitive Citrus Bowl. The first quarter was defined by Michigan converting a Texas fumble into a quick seven points. But the Longhorns have moved the football well on two of their first three possessions and are pressuring Bryce Underwood. Arch Manning is 8 of 12 for 71 yards while Bryce Underwood is 5 of 7 for 54 yards and a touchdown. His scoring connection with Kendrick Bell was a thing of beauty for the little-used junior receiver.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Late 1Q: Michigan 10, Texas 3

Michigan's Cole Sullivan forced Texas' Ryan Niblett to fumble on a kickoff return, which set up the Wolverines at the Texas 23-yard line. Faced with a third-and-6, Bryce Underwood fired into the end zone for Kendrick Bell, who made one of the better grabs you will see this bowl season. He managed to get his toe down just as he caught the pass and fell out of bounds. After review, it was ruled a touchdown, putting Michigan ahead 10-3.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Both Michigan possessions have been impacted by huge Texas sacks. The most recent one came from Elijah Barnes on a second-and-10 play as he wrestled Bryce Underwood down for a loss of six. The Wolverines picked up just enough on the subsequent third down play to get into field goal range for Dominic Zvada, who drilled a 53-yarder. The Longhorns are down several key defenders but have sacked Underwood twice in the first quarter. Barnes took a redshirt this season but is getting a chance to shine this afternoon.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:30 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Now, the caliber of Big Ten coaching has improved yet again with Michigan's hire of Kyle Whittingham. More than two decades of success at Utah established Whittingham as one of the top coaches of the 21st century, and he now takes over a program just a couple of years removed from winning it all. But earning Hall of Fame consideration down the line does not automatically push Whittingham to the front of the Big Ten line. He must carve out his place among a group loaded with College Football Playoff appearances -- and, as of last season, a national title.

Big Ten Coach Rankings: Where Kyle Whittingham, Matt Campbell fit among new conference peers

Chip Patterson

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas is down a number of key defenders, but Collin Simmons is playing, and he just wreaked havoc on Michigan by sacking Bryce Underwood for a loss of eight on third down. The Wolverines started fast with a couple of completions to reach Texas territory. The momentum quickly stalled out, leading to a punt. That was Simmons' 12th sack of the season. The star sophomore EDGE is here to play.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:13 pm ET · David Cobb]

12:05 1Q: Texas 3, Michigan 0

Christian Clark got the start at running back for Texas after logging just 35 carries all season. The redshirt freshman busted a 22-yarder and had a nice blitz pickup as Texas marched down the field for a 42-yard field goal from Mason Shipley. Arch Manning completed 4 of 6 passes on the opening drive but misfired on a third-and-4 pass intended for Ryan Wingo.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas is grappling with a significant number of defensive opt-outs, but Michigan's subdued offensive attack is not well-equipped to capitalize. On the flip side, the Wolverines are without their best pass rushers, which should free up Arch Manning to cook as he seeks to build on the momentum of a strong close to his redshirt sophomore season. It would also be smart to consider the potential psychological impact of Michigan's unceremonious coaching change, which has rocked the Michigan program this month. Texas is more of a steady operation at the moment, and that should be evident on the field. Pick: Texas -7.5

[Dec 31, 2025 at 2:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Don't expect to see new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham involving himself in the Wolverines' Citrus Bowl operation. Asked what his role will be on game day, Whittingham said: "I'm going to try to stay out of the way. I'm excited to be around, observe, but I'm going to stay in the background."

[Dec 31, 2025 at 1:45 pm ET · David Cobb]

Arch Manning and Bryce Underwood weren't just the top-ranked quarterbacks in their respective recruiting classes; they were the No. 1 overall players, regardless of position. Manning topped the charts from the Class of 2023 and is wrapping up his redshirt sophomore season on a performance upswing following a rocky beginning to his first year as the starter. Unlike Manning, Underwood started from Day 1 at Michigan. The celebrated prospect has completed 61.1% of his passes for 2,229 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions and another five rushing scores. It's been a solid if not spectacular true freshman campaign for the Michigan native.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 1:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan will be a bit lean on the edge defensively with its top sacks leaders Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham opting out. Moore and Barham were each honorable mention All-Big Ten selections. Likewise, Texas will be without several of its top defenders, including star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and safety Michael Taaffe. New Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will get a long look at some of Texas' defensive depth as he begins charting the course for next year's unit.

[Dec 31, 2025 at 12:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Two of college football's premier brands will square off Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl, as No. 13 Texas and No. 18 Michigan tangle in search of their 10th victories. It will be just the third all-time meeting between the storied programs, and the Wolverines will be seeking their first-ever win over the Longhorns.

The meeting will bring an end to a bizarre December for the Wolverines, who are in the midst of a coaching transition that has rocked the program. Sherrone Moore was fired with cause on Dec. 10 as a result of an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staff member. His subsequent arrest shocked the college football world and left Michigan with a strangely timed coaching search.

Former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been hired to clean up the mess, but it will be interim coach Biff Poggi leading the Wolverines in the bowl game. Poggi will have his hands full against a Texas team that will look to carry the momentum of a season-ending rivalry win over Texas A&M into bowl season.

While there are plenty of opt-outs on both sides that will alter the flavor of this game, both starting quarterbacks are expected to play. A matchup of Texas' Arch Manning and Michigan's Bryce Underwood will make for one of the most captivating QB battles of bowl season.