Longhorns Wire staff expert predictions for Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

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The Texas Longhorns will try to finish a frustrating 2025 on a high note in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines on New Year’s Eve afternoon. Texas, who started the season as the No. 1 team, finished the year a disappointing 9-3 and out of the college football playoff.

The Longhorns struggled in a lot of areas this year, especially on the offensive line and at running back. The deficiencies hurt the early development of quarterback Arch Manning. Manning looked lost for much of the early part of the season. But the celebrity QB looked more like the would-be super star the national media thought he’d be in the later half of the campaign.

The Longhorns have lost a lot of players since the win over Texas A&M. A dozen have hit the transfer portal and several others will enter the 2026 NFL Draft. 18 players have opted out of the bowl game in Orlando. Texas has been especially hit hard on defense and at running back.

As for the Wolverines? Michigan is hoping focus on football after their coach Sherrone Moore was fired and arrested on the same day. Biff Poggi will coach Big Blue at Camping World Stadium.

Tommy Bresee Prediction:

The Longhorns have found their way to the final game of a disappointing 2025 season. Despite that, they have a chance tomorrow to lock up their 10th win, something that felt nearly impossible not long ago for the Longhorns.

This is a game that will feature tons of young players, as is the case in most bowl games. Texas has a chance to get the young OL, RBs, WRs and LBs more time in this one. With Michigan somewhat in disarray, I think the Longhorns are able to take over this one.

I expect Arch Manning to shine, the young WRs to flash, Bryce Underwood struggle at times against the Longhorns pass rush and Texas to get a rather comfortable win over the Wolverines.

Final score: Texas 31, Michigan 20

Jamie Gatlin Prediction:

The Longhorns are back in action on Wednesday night to take on Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. While the Longhorns have only been out of action for a few weeks, their roster will look very different due to players entering the portal and declaring for the draft.

The Longhorns enter this matchup on a two-game winning streak in which the offense has shined. They will need a big game from Arch Manning and Ryan Wingo. If the Longhorns can replicate their performance against Texas A&M, they should win this game.

Final score: Texas 24, Michigan 20

Trey Luerssen Prediction:

Never in history have so many players (and teams) opted out of bowl games like this year. It makes picking games tough.

Here’s what we know. Arch Manning looked very solid at the end of the season and if we’re being honest, the Horns should have been in the CFP instead of teams like James Madison and North Texas. Before the break, Texas looked better than Michgan.

But some of the weaknesses of this Longhorns team have gotten worse. A historically bad running back corp has lost its starter and primary backup to the portal. The defense will be patchwork at best. But can Michigan’s offense take advantage?

Final score: Texas 27, Michigan 17

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Cheez-It Citrus Bowl expert predictions for Texas vs. Michigan

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