The Citrus Bowl, set for December 31, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the showdown between the Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines. They’ll meet at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET.
Both squads are missing some key players, thanks to NFL draft prep and the transfer portal. It’s a storyline that can’t be ignored—especially with the stakes so high.
Key Player Opt-Outs for Michigan
Michigan will be down several pivotal players. Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reports the following opt-outs:
- EDGE Derrick Moore (NFL draft)
- LB Jaishawn Barham (NFL draft)
- OL Gio El-Hadi (NFL draft)
- LB Ernest Hausmann (Personal Reasons)
Impact on Michigan’s Defense
No Derrick Moore or Jaishawn Barham? That’s not ideal for Michigan’s defense. Moore’s been a menace off the edge, while Barham has anchored the middle.
With both gone, interim coach Biff Poggi will have to get creative with his lineup. It’s a tough ask, but hey, that’s football.
Offensive Line Challenges
Losing Gio El-Hadi to the NFL draft is a big blow up front. He’s been a steady force, keeping the quarterback upright and the run game humming.
Now Michigan’s O-line faces a real test—especially with Texas’ defense looming.
Key Player Opt-Outs for Texas
Texas isn’t immune to the opt-out bug either, as Longhorns Wire details. Here’s who won’t suit up:
- LB Anthony Hill Jr. (NFL draft)
- DB Michael Taaffe (NFL draft)
- DB Malik Muhammad (NFL draft)
- DB Jaylon Guilbeau (NFL draft)
- EDGE Ethan Burke (NFL draft)
- LB/DE Trey Moore (NFL draft)
- RB Quintrevion Wisner (Transfer Portal)
- RB CJ Baxter (Transfer Portal)
- WR DeAndre Moore (Transfer Portal)
- QB Trey Owens (Transfer Portal)
- WR Aaron Butler (Transfer Portal)
- CB Santana Wilson (Transfer Portal)
- OL Connor Stroh (Transfer Portal)
- DT Melvin Hills III (Transfer Portal)
- DB Derek Williams Jr. (Transfer Portal)
- LB Liona Lefau (Transfer Portal)
- RB Jerrick Gibson (Transfer Portal)
- K Will Stone (Transfer Portal)
Defensive Setbacks
Texas’ defense is taking a real hit. Anthony Hill Jr., Michael Taaffe, Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, Ethan Burke, and Trey Moore are all out.
Coach Steve Sarkisian’s going to need some new faces to step up, and fast. There’s no sugarcoating it—it’s a tall order.
Offensive Dynamics
On offense, Texas faces life without Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, DeAndre Moore, Trey Owens, and Aaron Butler. Transfers have thinned out their options.
That means it’s up to the younger, less proven guys to show what they’ve got. Not exactly the script Texas fans were hoping for, but that’s bowl season for you.
Quarterback Showdown: Arch Manning vs. Bryce Underwood
Even with all these absences, there’s still a juicy quarterback battle on tap. Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood—both former No. 1 recruits, according to 247Sports Composite—will be under the spotlight.
Honestly, this matchup could end up being what everyone remembers most from the game.
Arch Manning’s Leadership
Arch Manning came in with sky-high expectations, and so far, he’s delivered. His knack for reading defenses and hitting his targets will be huge for Texas, especially now.
With so many weapons gone, Manning’s leadership becomes even more important. Can he carry the offense? We’ll see.
Bryce Underwood’s Playmaking Ability
Bryce Underwood, meanwhile, has been electric for Michigan. He can scramble, improvise, and make throws on the move—never a dull moment when he’s on the field.
With some of his protection and skill guys missing, Underwood’s creativity will be tested. But if anyone can make something out of nothing, it’s probably him.
Implications for Both Teams
The Citrus Bowl is shaping up as a real gut-check for both programs. Depth, adaptability, maybe a little luck—it’s all going to matter.
Michigan’s Depth
Michigan’s got a solid recruiting class, so this could be a breakout chance for some young talent. Interim coach Biff Poggi will have to mix things up and hope the new faces are ready for the spotlight.
Texas’ Adaptability
For Texas, the challenge might be even steeper with so many guys out. Coach Sarkisian’s going to have to dig deep into the depth chart and hope for a few pleasant surprises.
Conclusion
With the Citrus Bowl nearly here, all eyes are on how Michigan and Texas handle the wave of player opt-outs. It’s not just about the quarterbacks—depth and grit will matter more than ever.
If you’re curious about which players are sitting out or just want a deeper dive, check out the details on USA Today’s website.
This year’s Citrus Bowl should be a wild ride, honestly. Fans from both sides—Wolverines and Longhorns alike—will probably be glued to every play.
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