Three picks, no answers: Texas completely shuts down Bryce Underwood in 41-27 Citrus Bowl victory

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Texas didn’t just beat Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl — they tamed the Wolverines’ freshman quarterback, erased late-game tension with explosive plays, and stamped a 2025 season that began with lofty expectations but stalled short of the Playoff with an exclamation point. The No. 13 Longhorns took a 41-27 victory over No. 18 Michigan at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on New Year’s Eve, and they did it by seizing control when it mattered most. 

Arch Manning turned the corner when Texas needed it

Arch Manning entered the Citrus Bowl with a chance to close a roller-coaster 2025 on his terms, and he seized it. The Longhorns’ redshirt sophomore threw two touchdown passes and racked up 155 rushing yards, including a jaw-dropping 60-yard scoring run that flipped the script late and put Texas in control for good. 

Manning finished 21-for-34 passing for 221 yards and made huge plays with his legs and his arm — most importantly a perfectly placed strike to Kaliq Lockett for a 30-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that gave Texas its first multi-score lead. 

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Against a Michigan roster dealing with coaching upheaval, opt-outs, and injuries, Manning delivered a performance worthy of MVP honors — and one that snap-started optimism for 2026. 

Michigan QB Bryce Underwood struggled — and Texas made them pay

Michigan’s freshman signal-caller Bryce Underwood showed flashes early, keeping the Wolverines in the game and even giving them a 27-24 lead late in the fourth. But the bigger story was what happened next: three costly interceptions by Underwood in the final 18 minutes. 

Those turnovers weren’t just stat sheet noise. Each one shifted momentum, gave Texas prime field position, and set up points that Michigan simply couldn’t recover from. Underwood’s first pick came on a 3rd-and-17 that wiped out a chance for a short field goal. Later, a misread over the middle gifted Texas a go-ahead possession that led directly to Manning’s 60-yard romp. 

In a game stacked with lead changes, those turnovers were the difference.

Texas’ receivers showed up when it counted

While Michigan’s passing game sputtered in crucial sequencing, Texas’ receiving corps delivered on big‐moment targets.

• Ryan Wingo led the Longhorns with four receptions for 64 yards, consistently moving the chains when Texas needed first downs. 

• Emmett Mosley V added five catches for 51 yards from the slot, giving Manning a reliable safety valve. 

• Jack Endries hauled in five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone in the first half and keeping Texas competitive through Michigan’s early runs. 

• Kaliq Lockett made the splash play of the night with a 30-yard touchdown reception that energized Texas and swung the momentum late. 

Their collective punch kept Texas in rhythm — and made Michigan pay for every defensive misstep.

The run game and defense both had moments that mattered

Michigan did find some success on the ground at times; freshman running back Bryson Kuzdzal ran 20 times for 82 yards, giving the Wolverines balance early.  But Texas’ defense bent without breaking when it mattered most.

Linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith was a thorn in Michigan’s side, hauling in two of those critical interceptions that turned momentum Texas’ way.  And while Michigan managed to slow Texas on third downs (just 3-of-11 allowed), they couldn’t contain the explosive plays — including a 60–yard touchdown run that buried the Wolverines’ hopes. 

A late surge that defined the win

This game stayed within reach until the fourth quarter, but Texas showed the kind of sustained scoring burst teams need when everything is on the line. A field goal made it 41-27, and when the clock hit zero, the Longhorns had not only secured a bowl victory but done so against a talented Michigan roster navigating its own off-field turmoil. 

This wasn’t a flat bowl win. This was a finish that mattered — a statement that Texas’ offense can thrive through adversity, with a quarterback playing his best football when it counts. In a year of ups, downs, and unmet expectations, Texas closed on a high note. And against a Michigan team that’s now ushering in a new era under Kyle Whittingham, this Citrus Bowl victory will be remembered as one of the peaks of Texas’ 2025 campaign. 

Related: Five reasons Texas must chase Caleb Hawkins in the transfer portal

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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