Texas to Face Michigan in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
The No. 14 Texas Longhorns will face the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec 31 in Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The No. 14 Texas Longhorns (9-3, 6-2 SEC) are set to face the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT at Camping World Stadium, with the game broadcast nationally on ABC.
This matchup marks a clash between two of college football's most storied programs. Texas holds a 2-0 all-time record against the Wolverines, including a victory earlier in the 2024 regular season and the legendary 2005 Rose Bowl thriller.
Muschamp Returns to Austin
In a significant coaching development leading up to the bowl game, Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian announced the hiring of Will Muschamp as the new Defensive Coordinator, replacing Pete Kwiatkowski. Muschamp, who previously served as the Longhorns' DC/Head Coach-in-Waiting from 2008-2010, returns to the Forty Acres to revitalize a unit that finished 36th nationally in total defense this season.
Sarkisian welcomed Muschamp back to Texas, citing his proven track record in the SEC and understanding of championship-level defense as exact fits for the program's needs.
Roster Updates & Opt-Outs
The Longhorns will be without several key defensive starters who have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft or entered the Transfer Portal:
- LB Anthony Hill Jr. (Opt-out)
- CB Malik Muhammad (Opt-out)
- S Michael Taaffe (Opt-out)
- RB CJ Baxter (Transfer Portal)
Despite these absences, the offense led by QB Arch Manning remains largely intact. Manning will look to cap off his redshirt sophomore campaign with a 10th win, facing a formidable Michigan defense.
The Matchup
Michigan enters the contest following a 9-3 campaign in the expanded Big Ten. The Wolverines rely on a physical ground game and a stout defensive front. For Texas, the key will be establishing rhythm early and allowing Muschamp's aggressive defensive scheme—even with limited installation time—to disrupt Michigan's timing.
A win would give Texas first consecutive 10-win seasons since the late 2000s, building significant momentum heading into the 2026 offseason.
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