Arch Manning’s 60-yard touchdown run deals critical blow in Texas’ win over Michigan
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Arch Manning made the first bowl game start of his college career for the Texas Longhorns and was facing a Michigan Wolverines team with a grudge after the Sherrone Moore controversy.
Manning lived up to the expectations surrounding him at the start of the season and led Texas to a 41-27 victory in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
For the most part, Texas and Michigan were tied. The game was tied at 17 going into halftime. Manning had to work hard and the defense had to play very hard to get the lead and keep it.
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Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a receiver during the first half of the Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Manning found tight end Jack Endries for a 17-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. After Michigan kicked a field goal, Manning came back with a 23-yard touchdown run.
Michigan wasn’t over. Bryce Underwood put the Wolverines ahead when he ran for a 5-yard score and nearly fumbled in the end zone. The Wolverines took a 28-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. But the Longhorns stayed hot. Manning led the team on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, right, is stopped by Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan during the first half of the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
ARCH MANNING SAYS THERE IS NO REASON TO LEAVE TEXAS, HE WANTS TO INCREASE ITS DEVELOPMENT
Underwood threw an interception on the next series. Manning then handed over the dagger.
He took the snap and ran up the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Texas added a field goal later in the frame, and that would be it.
Manning had four total touchdowns in the victory. He accounted for 376 yards, including 221 through the air and 155 on the ground, a career high.
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The Longhorns finished the 2025 season with 10 wins, the third consecutive season in which Texas reached the 10-win mark.
Michigan will embark on a new era with Kyle Whittingham taking over as head coach.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.