- - Arch Manning (4 TDs), No. 13 Texas slam door on No. 18 Michigan

Field Level MediaJanuary 1, 2026 at 6:15 AM

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Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Damon Payne (44) tips a pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Arch Manning passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more to lead No. 13 Texas to a 41-27 victory over No. 18 Michigan on Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl at Orlando, Fla.

Manning, named Citrus Bowl MVP, completed 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and rushed for 155 on nine attempts as the Longhorns (10-3) set aside their frustrations over not reaching the College Football Playoff by delivering a strong performance.

Manning joined his famous uncle Peyton as a Citrus Bowl MVP. The elder Manning played in the game in back-to-back seasons for Tennessee and won MVP honors in a victory over Northwestern on Jan. 1, 1997.

"Nothing against the Citrus Bowl, but I think he played it twice," Arch Manning said. "I don't want to have to play it twice."

Christian Clark took over the ball-carrying duties with four Texas running backs opting out of the contest and he rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.

Ty'Anthony Smith had two fourth-quarter interceptions, and Wardell Mack also had a pick for Texas. Kaliq Lockett and Jack Endries caught touchdown passes for the Longhorns.

Bryce Underwood completed 23 of 42 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 69 yards and a score for Michigan (9-4). Kendrick Bell and Andrew Marsh had scoring receptions, and Bryson Kuzdzal gained 82 yards on 20 carries for the Wolverines.

Biff Poggi served as Michigan interim coach after Sherrone Moore was dismissed on Dec. 10 for having an improper relationship with a female football staffer. Poggi said afterward that he will not be staying with the Wolverines.

Former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been hired as the Wolverines' new head man. He said during the telecast that he is nearly finished with hiring his staff.

"I thought the kids competed so hard today," Poggi said.

The Longhorns took a 24-20 lead when Manning scored on a 23-yard touchdown run with 5:38 remaining in the third quarter.

The Wolverines moved ahead by three when Underwood scored on a 5-yard run in which he hit the pylon with the football with 10:56 left in the game.

Just over four minutes later, Manning threw a 30-yard strike to Lockett to give Texas a 31-27 lead.

Smith then intercepted Underwood for the first time and the Longhorns had the ball on their own 40. On the first play, there was a huge gap in the center of the field and Manning rushed through and sprinted to a 60-yard touchdown to give the Longhorns an 11-point advantage with 5:06 left.

Two Michigan offensive plays later, Smith again picked off Underwood with 4:33 left. That one set up Mason Shipley's 51-yard field goal to make it a 14-point margin with 3:38 to play.

Texas outgained the Wolverines 456-373 in a victory that truly impressed Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian.

"Real, true, unique competitors rise up and that's what our team did today," Sarkisian said. "We played without nine starters, we played with over 20 scholarship players not suited up for practice and it created opportunities. ... This was a great way to end our season. I'm very, very proud of our team."

Underwood tossed two first-half touchdowns passes in a game that was tied at 17 at the half.

Shipley kicked a 43-yard field goal for the Longhorns to cap the game's first drive. Michigan answered later in the quarter on Dominic Zvada's 53-yard field goal.

Underwood threw a 19-yard scoring pass to Bell to give the Wolverines a 10-3 lead with 3:15 left in the first quarter.

Texas knotted the score early in the second on Clark's 3-yard scoring run.

Michigan took a 17-10 advantage on Underwood's 4-yard touchdown throw to Marsh.

The Longhorns tied it up when Manning connected with Endries on a 17-yard score with 7:41 remaining in the half.

--Field Level Media

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Source: “AOL Sports”