*****OFFICIAL CITRUS BOWL GAME THREAD: No. 13 Texas vs No. 18 Michigan*****

[HornSports Staff]

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando sets up an intriguing New Year’s Eve showdown as No. 13 Texas (9-3) meets No. 18 Michigan (9-3), with both bluebloods trying to cap turbulent seasons with a statement win. Texas arrives disappointed after missing a third straight College Football Playoff, but the Longhorns surged in the closing games of their schedule. The season resume includes three AP Top 10 wins and a dominant rivalry victory over Texas A&M.

Michigan enters having won five of its last six before a deflating loss to Ohio State and a late-year coaching shakeup. Things to watch in this year’s Citrus Bowl include how a shorthanded but still talented Longhorn defense holds up after multiple NFL Draft and transfer portal opt-outs, whether Michigan’s physical ground game and emerging freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood can control tempo, and if Texas’ edge in turnover margin and red-zone efficiency can tilt a game projected as a touchdown spread into a comfortable finish or a nail-biter in the final minutes.

What: No. 13 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 18 Michigan Wolverines
When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm CST
Venue: Camping World Stadium
Location: Orlando, FL
TV: ABC
Listen: The Varsity Network
Spread: Texas -6.5 (FanDuel)

RELEVANT INFO:

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Citrus Bowl Staff Predictions: No. 13 Texas versus No. 18 Michigan

Texas enters the Citrus Bowl as a touchdown favorite, but the Longhorns face significant questions about whether a defense hit

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[Baron]

Go Longhorns! I'm excited to see what Michael Terry can do.

 

[Ntx dog]

 

[UT1983]

TEXAS!!!!

 

[texbound]

The 3 that hurt the most are Taafe, Wisner and Hill.

I think Black and Phillips can cover nicely for Manny and Gilbueau. I think Black and Phillips are an upgrade to Gilbueau, but maybe not at the Manny level yet.

Burke was good, but I'm excited to see extended playing time for Lance Jackson and maybe some J. Terry on the edge opposite Simmons. Other guys like Vasek, Orogbo, and Uneozulu can show out as well. Edge is covered.

Hopefully Filsaime and Jonah Williams can fill in for Taafe now that they have experience. Pure talent is an upgrade over Taafe, but Taafe had other qualities that made him stand out. Hopefully the other two can fill in. A lot will be on McDonald this game.

LBs are a big concern this game. Smith is solid. Barnes is talented, but hardly any experience. No backups, unless they play Spence more at a true LB spot.

I'm excited to see what M. Terry can do at RB, Wisner will be missed this game...without question. Pass pro is a concern.

WR is fine without Moore. In fact, more Locket is what I want to see. Mosely, Wingo, Livingstone, McCutcheon, Locket and Ffrench is solid.

 

[tejasrulz]

 

[lshorn79]

TEXAS!!!!

FIGHT

 

[HornSports Staff]

 

[Ntx dog]

Still cant freaking run the damn ball...Manning having to hurry...Did our OL get anf practice ??.ugh

 

[UT1983]

Michigan lucky to get the FM call.

 

[UT1983]

Have to remember Texas is without several starters. This game is a look into what Texas has coming in 2026. Great actual game experience that hopefully pays off next year.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

NIblett needs to just down the ball on Kick Offs.

 

[UT1983]

Michigan with the early lucky breaks so far.

 

[63_Texas_1]

Livingstone should have caught it. Seen this before.

 

[63_Texas_1]

Michigan with the early lucky breaks so far.

Unfortunately, they made them: fumble, great catch for TD.

 

[Ntx dog]

Unfortunately, they made them: fumble, great catch for TD.

And their WR makes a highlight reel catch. Our WR cant...oh well

 

[Ntx dog]

Yes !!

 

[63_Texas_1]

TD!

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Thats more like it. Really liked the 4th and 1 play call.

 

[63_Texas_1]

I look forward to better defense. I know there are players missing, but . Hopefully Muschcamp can make improvements..