UPDATE: The No. 14 Texas Longhorns are gearing up to clash with the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, and the stakes are high. In a shocking turn of events, the Longhorns will be without several critical starters, including their top two rushers, CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner, due to transfers and NFL opt-outs.
This matchup marks the first game for Texas under head coach Steve Sarkisian without former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who was fired earlier this month after the Longhorns failed to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. His replacement, Will Muschamp, previously served as Texas’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010 and brings a wealth of experience.
Just announced: Key players and coaches have expressed their feelings about these significant changes. Colin Simmons, an All-American edge and sophomore at UT, stated, “Yeah, that one hurt a little bit… But you know, like Coach Nansen said, it’s a business.”
Ty Anthony Smith, a fellow sophomore linebacker, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Obviously, I wasn’t as happy when he left. But just being excited… he’ll go there and do great things.”
Johnny Nansen, co-defensive coordinator, emphasized the team’s resilience in adapting to change: “They’re used to change… Players have been great at handling it.” Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Kyle Flood highlighted the opportunity for younger players to step up: “There’s an exciting part to it as well where you get some younger players who maybe didn’t have as big a role during the regular season.”
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is set to kick off at 3 p.m. on December 31, 2025. As the Longhorns prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new dynamics will play out on the field.
What’s next: Watch for updates and insights leading into the game, as the Longhorns strive to finish the season strong despite the challenges. This game could redefine the trajectory for many players who are stepping into larger roles.
The information in this report is attributed to FOX 7 Austin’s Dennis de la Pena and the Associated Press.
