Orlando, Florida, December 8, 2025
The Texas Longhorns will face the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, following their exclusion from the College Football Playoff. After a strong 9-3 season, the Longhorns’ playoff hopes were dashed, positioning them for this matchup. Coach Steve Sarkisian is focused on the bowl experience and the challenges present in facing a strong opponent like Michigan. The game marks Texas’s first appearance in the Citrus Bowl, promising an exciting matchup for fans.
Longhorns Gear Up for Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Against Michigan
Austin, Texas – The Texas Longhorns have been excluded from the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year and will instead play against the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on ABC.
Playoff Exclusion and Bowl Game Announcement
Despite a strong 9-3 season, the Longhorns were ranked 13th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, falling short of securing an at-large bid. This ranking placed them just outside the 12-team playoff field, leading to their selection for the Citrus Bowl. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed his team’s readiness to participate in the upcoming bowl game, emphasizing the opportunity to face a quality opponent like Michigan. He highlighted the importance of the bowl experience for the players, especially after a season that included a significant win over Texas A&M and three top-10 victories.
Team Performance and Season Highlights
Throughout the season, the Longhorns demonstrated resilience and skill. Notably, they secured a 27-17 victory over No. 3 Texas A&M, ending the Aggies’ unbeaten streak and bolstering their own playoff aspirations. Additionally, Texas achieved three wins against top-10 teams, marking a significant accomplishment in the program’s history.
Looking Ahead to the Citrus Bowl
The upcoming matchup against Michigan presents an exciting challenge for the Longhorns. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 9-3 records, setting the stage for a competitive and high-stakes bowl game. The game will be the first-ever appearance for Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, offering a new experience for the program and its fans.
Background on the College Football Playoff Selection
The College Football Playoff selection process considers various factors, including team performance, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results. Despite their strong season, the Longhorns’ exclusion from the playoff field underscores the competitive nature of college football and the challenges teams face in securing a spot in the postseason.
Conclusion
While the Texas Longhorns will not participate in the College Football Playoff this year, they have the opportunity to showcase their talents in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against a formidable opponent in Michigan. The game promises to be a highlight of the college football postseason, offering fans a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl?
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is an annual college football bowl game held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It features matchups between top teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference.
When is the Citrus Bowl scheduled?
The Citrus Bowl is scheduled for December 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central Time.
Where can I watch the Citrus Bowl?
The game will be broadcast on ABC, allowing fans nationwide to watch the matchup between Texas and Michigan.
How did Texas perform this season?
Texas finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, including a significant 27-17 victory over No. 3 Texas A&M and three wins against top-10 teams.
Why was Texas excluded from the College Football Playoff?
Despite a strong season, Texas was ranked 13th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, just outside the 12-team playoff field, leading to their selection for the Citrus Bowl instead.
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Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Texas Longhorns to play Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025. |
| Location | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida. |
| Time | 2 p.m. Central Time. |
| Broadcast | ABC network. |
| Texas Season Record | 9-3, including a 27-17 victory over No. 3 Texas A&M and three wins against top-10 teams. |
| Playoff Ranking | Ranked 13th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, just outside the 12-team playoff field. |
| Head Coach | Steve Sarkisian. |
| Opponent | Michigan Wolverines, also with a 9-3 record. |
| First Appearance | Texas’s first appearance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. |
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