Overview
- Texas beat Michigan 41-27 in the Citrus Bowl as Arch Manning went 21-of-34 for 221 yards and two passing touchdowns with nine rushes for 155 yards and two scores, including a 60-yard run, to earn MVP.
- OptaStats reported Manning is the only FBS or NFL quarterback in the past 30 seasons to post 200+ passing yards, 150+ rushing yards, multiple passing and rushing touchdowns, no sacks, no turnovers, and 15.0+ yards per rush in a game.
- Manning confirmed he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and return to Austin, with analysts projecting him as an early Heisman favorite and a leading 2027 No. 1 pick contender.
- He joked that he doesn’t want to play the Citrus Bowl twice like his uncle Peyton, signaling a push to return Texas to the College Football Playoff.
- Attention turns to the transfer portal opening Jan. 2, with outlets predicting targets such as North Texas receiver Wyatt Young for Texas, as the Longhorns also spotlighted rising contributors including LB Ty’Anthony Smith (two fourth-quarter interceptions) and an O-line that allowed zero sacks.