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The Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines meet up in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday. Follow for live updates on the game's score, key plays, and pregame details.
This section provides a live updated scoreboard. As of the latest update, Michigan had scored 10 points in the first quarter and 7 in the second, plus 3 in the third and 7 in the fourth. Texas scored 3 in the first, 14 in the second, 7 in the third, and 7 in the fourth, leading to a dynamic game.
Texas regained the lead against Michigan in the fourth quarter with a score of 31-27.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett on second-and-13, giving Texas a 31-27 lead over Michigan with 6:54 left in the fourth quarter. The drive covered 75 yards in nine plays.
Arch Manning made a crucial 15-yard run on fourth-and-2, evading Michigan's blitz to extend Texas's drive. This play brought his rushing total to 95 yards for the day.
Michigan's Bryce Underwood scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown, which stood after a lengthy review, reclaiming the lead for Michigan at 27-24. Despite video suggesting the ball might have come loose before hitting the pylon, the call was upheld.
The third quarter concluded with Michigan electing to let the clock run out, giving them time to strategize for a fourth-and-1 decision at the Texas 46-yard line, with Texas leading 24-20.
Texas defensive back Wardell Mack intercepted a pass from Bryce Underwood on second-and-17, marking Underwood's first significant mistake of the game and a potentially costly turnover.
Arch Manning scored a 23-yard rushing touchdown up the middle, putting Texas ahead 24-20 in the third quarter. This impressive run showcased his mobility, bringing his rushing total to 72 yards on six carries. The scoring drive was 80 yards in nine plays.
Dominic Zvada's 31-yard field goal gave Michigan the lead to start the second half, completing a 12-play, 41-yard drive that took 5:13. Michigan had multiple attempts for a touchdown but settled for the field goal after a pass breakup in the end zone.
Andrew Marsh returned the second-half kickoff 43 yards, giving Michigan excellent starting field position at their own 46-yard line.
The first half ended in a 17-17 tie after Dominic Zvada missed a 45-yard field goal attempt for Michigan as time expired.
Dominic Zvada missed a 45-yard field goal attempt as time expired in the first half, leaving the game tied at 17-17.
A miscommunication on the snap between Texas center Cole Hutson and Arch Manning resulted in a 22-yard loss, forcing Texas to punt and giving Michigan an opportunity to score before halftime.
After a series of five consecutive scoring drives, both teams' defenses managed to force punts on third downs, leaving the game tied 17-17 with 4:52 remaining in the first half.
Arch Manning completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jack Endries, marking his 25th touchdown pass of the season and tying the game. Manning was 12-of-18 for 134 yards and a touchdown at this point.
Bryce Underwood threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Marsh, giving Michigan a quick response to Texas's score. This was Marsh's fourth touchdown catch of the season, and Underwood had 121 total yards of offense.
Christian Clark scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown for Texas, tying the game at 10-10. This play was set up by Arch Manning's 19-yard quarterback keeper on fourth-and-1. The drive was 75 yards in 11 plays.
The first quarter ended with Michigan leading Texas 10-3. Arch Manning had just surpassed 3,000 passing yards for the season, and Texas held the ball at Michigan's 27-yard line to start the second quarter.
Bryce Underwood threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bell, giving Michigan its first lead of the game after a review confirmed the play. Bell made an impressive catch in the end zone.
Michigan gained its first takeaway of the game on special teams when Cole Sullivan forced a fumble from Ryan Niblett during a kickoff return, setting up the Wolverines deep in Texas territory.
Dominic Zvada made a 53-yard field goal attempt, tying the game at 3-3 with 4:01 remaining in the first quarter. The scoring drive was 40 yards in eight plays.
Michigan's defense forced a Texas three-and-out, with the Longhorns losing yards on third down. Michigan started its next possession at its own 25-yard line.
Michigan's promising drive into Texas territory ended in a punt after a false start, a tackle for loss, and a sack forced them backward. Texas regained possession just past its 20-yard line.
Texas concluded its opening drive with a field goal by Mason Shipley, taking an early 3-0 lead over Michigan.
Michigan won the coin toss and chose to defer, giving Texas the ball first to start the game with Arch Manning against the Michigan defense.
This section covers pregame information, including team arrivals, player status, and coaching updates.
Both Michigan and Texas teams took the field as the game was about to commence.
True freshman Bryce Underwood started as quarterback for Michigan. He had thrown for 2,229 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions in his first season, and the game against Texas was seen as a key test for him.
Michigan fired ex-Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore on December 10 after an investigation found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. He was later charged with felony third-degree home invasion and other misdemeanors, posting a $25,000 bond.
Associate head coach Biff Poggi served as Michigan’s interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl against Texas. This was his third game as interim head coach, having previously coached during Sherrone Moore's self-imposed suspension.
No, Arch Manning will not declare for the NFL draft after the Citrus Bowl; he is confirmed to return to the Texas Longhorns for the 2026 college football season, as stated by his father to ESPN.
Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl marked the third meeting between Michigan and Texas. Texas led the all-time series 2-0, with their last win being a 31-12 victory over Michigan in 2024. Michigan had not yet secured a win against Texas in their series history.
The game was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. ET, taking place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The Citrus Bowl between Texas and Michigan was broadcast on ABC. Streaming options included Fubo, which offers a free trial and carries the ESPN family of networks.
Experts from the USA TODAY Sports Network unanimously predicted Texas to win the Citrus Bowl, with all six experts selecting the Longhorns.
As of Dec. 30, Texas was favored with a spread of -7, an over/under of 48.5, and a moneyline of -300. Michigan's moneyline was +250.
Texas had several key players opting out for the Citrus Bowl. Anthony Hill Jr., Michael Taaffe, Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, Ethan Burke, and Trey Moore declared for the NFL draft. Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, DeAndre Moore, Trey Owens, Aaron Butler, Santana Wilson, Connor Stroh, Melvin Hills III, Derek Williams Jr., Liona Lefau, Jerrick Gibson, and Will Stone entered the transfer portal.
Key Texas players including LB Anthony Hill Jr., DB Michael Taaffe, DB Malik Muhammad, DB Jaylon Guilbeau, EDGE Ethan Burke, and LB/DE Trey Moore opted out to enter the NFL draft.
Texas also saw numerous players enter the transfer portal, including RBs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter, WRs DeAndre Moore and Aaron Butler, QB Trey Owens, CB Santana Wilson, OL Connor Stroh, DT Melvin Hills III, DB Derek Williams Jr., LB Liona Lefau, RB Jerrick Gibson, and K Will Stone.
Michigan had fewer opt-outs compared to Texas, with EDGE Derrick Moore, LB Jaishawn Barham, and OL Gio El-Hadi declaring for the NFL draft. Additionally, Justice Haynes was out due to a season-ending injury, and Ernest Hausmann for a personal matter.