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Arch Manning Wins Citrus Bowl MVP, Sets Sights on College Football Playoff in 2026

His remark about avoiding a return to the Citrus Bowl invoked Peyton Manning, drawing approval from Steve Sarkisian.

Overview

  • No. 14 Texas defeated No. 18 Michigan 41-27, with Arch Manning earning MVP after a standout dual-threat showing.
  • Manning went 21-of-34 for 221 yards with two touchdown passes and added 155 rushing yards on nine carries, including a 60-yard scoring run that made it 38-27.
  • He became the first player in Citrus Bowl history to record at least 150 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in the same game.
  • Postgame, he said he did not want to "play it twice," a nod to Peyton Manning’s two Citrus appearances that signaled his focus on playoff goals.
  • Steve Sarkisian praised the comment as "a great answer," and Manning has confirmed he will return to Texas next season rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft.