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15h ago

Arch Manning Caps Citrus Bowl MVP With Record Outing, Commits to Texas Return in 2026

The performance delivered an OptaStats-flagged stat line rarely seen in FBS or the NFL, sharpening Texas’ focus on a College Football Playoff run in 2026.

Texas takes the field ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (11) celebrates a play in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
A Michigan fan reacts as a touchdown goes to review in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the Texas flag as the Longhorns ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.

Overview

  • Texas beat Michigan 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, capping a 10-3 season as Arch Manning earned MVP honors.
  • Manning went 21-of-34 for 221 yards and two passing touchdowns and added 155 rushing yards and two scores, including a 60-yard burst that put the game out of reach.
  • OptaStats reported he is the only FBS or NFL quarterback in the last 30 seasons to post 200+ passing yards, 150+ rushing yards, multiple TDs both rushing and passing, with no sacks or turnovers and 15.0+ yards per rush.
  • He quipped he doesn’t want to “play [the Citrus Bowl] twice,” a nod to College Football Playoff ambitions, and his father told ESPN he will return to Texas in 2026 rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Texas saw other stock risers as Christian Clark ran for 105 yards and a TD, Ty’Anthony Smith snagged two fourth-quarter interceptions, and the offensive line allowed zero sacks, while Michigan closed a chaotic season with coaching turmoil and incoming staff changes.