Michigan and Texas Prepare for the Future in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Clash

On New Year’s Eve 2025, in the sun-drenched Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, two storied college football programs will collide in the 80th edition of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines (9-3) from the Big Ten face off against the No. 13 Texas Longhorns (9-3) from the SEC in a matchup that carries far more weight than a typical non-playoff bowl game. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on ABC, with a postgame concert by country star Jordan Davis adding to the festive atmosphere.

This game isn’t just about capping the 2025 season—it’s a glimpse into 2026 and beyond. Both teams enter with transitional narratives: Michigan navigating turbulent coaching changes and Texas building around a returning star quarterback. While opt-outs and transfers have depleted rosters on both sides, the clash represents a bridge to brighter futures for these blue-blood programs.

A Tumultuous Path for Michigan

The Wolverines’ 2025 season was marked by resilience amid chaos. Finishing 9-3 with wins in five of their last six games, Michigan boasted one of the nation’s top defenses, ranking high in rushing defense (101.7 yards per game allowed), scoring defense (18.7 points per game), and total defense. Edge rusher Derrick Moore earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, while cornerback Zeke Berry and linebacker Jimmy Rolder secured second-team recognition.

Offensively, Michigan leaned on a potent ground attack, averaging 213.2 rushing yards per game—good for 16th nationally. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 2,229 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding five rushing scores.

Yet, off-field drama overshadowed much of the year. Head coach Sherrone Moore was fired on December 10 for cause following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey departed for Missouri, leaving co-offensive coordinator Steve Casula to call plays for the bowl. Interim coach Biff Poggi—a former Michigan assistant and ex-Charlotte head coach—stepped in to guide the team through preparations.

Michigan quickly pivoted, hiring veteran Kyle Whittingham, fresh off a successful tenure at Utah, as the new head coach for 2026. Whittingham, known for his defensive acumen and program-building prowess, has already begun stabilizing the roster, meeting with key players like Underwood amid transfer portal speculation.

Despite the upheaval, Michigan reports fewer opt-outs than expected—around 12-15 players, including Moore and others—allowing the Wolverines to field a competitive unit motivated to end the year positively under Poggi.

Texas: Disappointment Fuels Momentum

The Longhorns entered 2025 as preseason No. 1, buoyed by high expectations in their second SEC season. A 9-3 record included impressive wins over top-10 foes but fell short of playoff inclusion, despite a strong close with a rivalry victory over Texas A&M. Head coach Steve Sarkisian lobbied vigorously for a CFP spot, highlighting three top-10 wins, but the committee looked elsewhere.

Texas’ offense averaged 382.8 total yards and 253.2 passing yards per game, with a stingy turnover margin (+12, seventh-best nationally). Defensively, they held opponents to low third-down conversions and excelled in limiting mistakes.

However, bowl opt-outs hit Texas hard, particularly on defense—up to a dozen players, including running back Quintrevion Wisner, edge Ethan Burke, linebackers Liona Lefau and Anthony Hill, and several secondary starters. This depletion could expose vulnerabilities against Michigan’s run-heavy attack.

Historical Context and Rivalry Renewal

This marks the third meeting between Michigan and Texas, with the Longhorns holding a 2-0 edge. Texas won a thrilling 38-37 Rose Bowl in 2005 and dominated a 2024 regular-season matchup in Ann Arbor. The Citrus Bowl offers Michigan revenge and a chance to tie Tennessee for most all-time wins in the game (currently 4-2 in six appearances).

For Texas, it’s their Citrus Bowl debut—a opportunity to assert SEC dominance over a Big Ten foe while sending seniors out on a high note.