Texas (9-3, 6-2) and Michigan (9-3, 7-2) face-off in Orlando on Wednesday with both teams looking to cap-off up-and-down 2025 seasons with a 10th win. The Longhorns and Wolverines enter this game short-handed on different levels. Since Michigan’s regular season ended, they fired head coach Sherrone Moore for cause, and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey left for the same job at Missouri. That leaves Michigan without much continuity for this game and an interim coach in assistant Biff Poggi. The former Charlotte head coach filled-in for Moore during his two game suspension earlier this season. While Poggi has worked as Michigan’s head coach this season at times, this is a much-different circumstance. The Wolverine program has dealt with major distractions since Moore’s firing on December 10th.
While the distractions haven’t been to the level of Michigan’s, Texas has dealt with their own disarray. The Longhorns have fired three coaches since the regular season ended. Running backs coach Chad Scott, safeties coach Duane Akina and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski were all released. Akina’s replacement hasn’t been named, while former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is returns to the 40 Acres, replacing Kwiatkowski. Muschamp travelled with the team to Orlando, but will not coach versus Michigan. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen will be coordinate the Texas defense for the Citrus Bowl. Chad Scott was replaced by former Florida Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke, and Juluke will take the reins against the Wolverines.
The coaching turnover is not the only issue causing challenges for Texas prior to the Michigan game. The Longhorns will be without seven defensive starters and one offensive starter. The linebacking group has been decimated by opt outs with Anthony Hill, Trey Moore and Liona Lefau all deciding not to play. The secondary took a a hit with team leader and All-American safety Michael Taaffe and All-SEC cornerback Malik Muhammad opting to prepare for the NFL Draft. That will leave the back-end of the defense very inexperienced, but at the same time it will give the younger players an opportunity to show their abilities. On the offensive side, running back Tre Wisner surprised some last week by entering his name in the transfer portal. Wisner’s decision was a big hit to the running back room as CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson had already decided to enter the portal.
Which QB Will Perform Better?
This game has two of the biggest quarterback prospects to come out of high school in quite some time. Arch Manning was rated the No. 1 high school quarterback prospect in the 2023 class. Michigan has a big name at quarterback as well, with Bryce Underwood, who was the top quarterback in the 2025 class recruiting class. Underwood was viewed as the program savior when he flipped from LSU to Michigan before signing day. Manning and Underwood both had their up’s and downs this season, but Manning finished his on a better note. Ultimately, whichever team gets the better quarterback play will likely win the game.
Manning will be without his top two running backs and Underwood will be without Justice Haynes, who was the featured back through the first two months of the season. Luckily for Underwood and Michigan, leading rusher Jordan Marshall is expected to play. Similar to Manning, Underwood can hurt you with his legs as well with his arm. Regardless, both will need to play a strong game and protect the ball. Michigan may look to pass more than normal with the depleted Texas secondary, but they will always look to establish the run first.
The Longhorns will have to rely on Arch Manning to a level they have not had to this season. There is virtually no experience left in the Texas running back room. The good news for Texas is that Manning has looked significantly more comfortable down the stretch than how he looked to start the season. He will have all five starting offensive lineman as well.
The Wolverines do not have the amount of opt outs that Texas has, but they have a big one in EDGE Derrick Moore. Moore had 10 sacks and was Michigan’s best defensive player. Not having a pass rusher like that on the field will certainly benefit Manning and the Texas passing game.
Wink Martindale vs Steve Sarkisian
The coaching matchup to keep an eye on in this game is Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale versus Texas head coach and offensive play-caller Steve Sarkisian. This was a big storyline when Texas played Michigan in the 2024 season. Sark got the best of Martindale that day, and it helped the Longhorns leave Ann Arbor with a 31-12 win. These two have faced each other at the NFL level and the college level, so the familiarity with each other is there.
Anyone who has watched a Martindale led defense at the NFL or collegiate level knows he will bring a lot of pressure from all areas to put heat on the quarterback. With Texas having a struggling offensive line, teams all season have pressured Manning and the Texas offensive line. Having faced that all season, it will benefit the Longhorns in a game like this. Manning has gotten better against pressure as the season progressed, so look for him to have a big day against Michigan should the Texas offensive line hold up.
