Photo: USA TODAY
Manning’s Masterpiece: Texas Dominates Michigan in Citrus Bowl
ORLANDO — Arch Manning delivered a historic fourth-quarter performance as No. 13 Texas rallied past No. 18 Michigan 41-27 in Wednesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, closing out 2025 with a statement win that signals bright days ahead for the Longhorns program.
Manning’s stat line was jaw-dropping: 376 yards of total offense (221 passing, 155 rushing) and four total touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore became the first quarterback since Lamar Jackson in 2015 to finish a bowl game with 150-plus rushing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.
After Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood gave the Wolverines a 27-24 lead early in the fourth quarter, Manning took over. He connected with Kaliq Lockett on a perfectly thrown 30-yard touchdown pass to put Texas ahead. Then, after a key interception by Ty’Anthony Smith, Manning iced the game with a dazzling 60-yard touchdown run, showcasing the dual-threat ability that makes him so dangerous.
Despite 21 combined penalties in a choppy affair, Manning accounted for approximately 80% of Texas’ offensive production against a Michigan defense missing its top two pass rushers. His ability to convert on fourth down was crucial — Manning twice extended drives with clutch scrambles, both leading to touchdowns.
For head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, this Citrus Bowl triumph represents their third consecutive victory and marks a 10-3 finish to the season. More importantly, it provides tremendous momentum heading into 2026. With Manning now firmly established as the program’s franchise quarterback after an up-and-down start to his first season as starter, Texas appears poised for a serious run at conference and national contention.
Manning’s MVP performance wasn’t just a bowl game highlight — it was a preview of what Texas fans can expect when the 2026 season kicks off. If Wednesday’s showcase was any indication, the Arch Manning era in Austin is just getting started.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s edition of The ATX Aggregator will be a brief holiday edition.)
Austin’s first homicide of 2026 occurred overnight in North Austin.
After a judge took the unusual step of acquitting ex-APD officer Christopher Taylor for a 2019 on-duty shooting, Travis County DA José Garza signaled his intent to appeal the decision. (Austin American-Statesman)
Taylor’s attorney is calling the ruling “a victory.”
From Austin-American Statesman.
The City of Austin held its annual New Year’s Eve celebration last night along Lady Bird Lake with an amazing drone show followed by fireworks.
WEATHER
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AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Texas has many new laws going into effect today including changes to property taxes, unemployment claims, law enforcement’s role with ICE, AI and more.
Health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and health care provider Ascension Texas have reached an agreement to keep Ascension facilities in-network for BCBSTX customers. (KUT 90.5)
The tragic end in the search in Bexar County for Camila Mendoza Olmos underscores a mental health crisis among youth.
Reflecting on some of the most important news moments of the past year, including what happened with new proposals aplenty passed during the biennial state legislative session.
Also…drilling down on some original investigative reporting of the year with the Texas Newsroom’s Lauren McGaughy and look at how 2026 is teed up for Texas through a political lens.
(Episode from December 31, 2025)
SPORTS
What an end to the year 🤘 pic.twitter.com/0APYLJgdmT
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 1, 2026
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Arch Manning was responsible for two fourth-quarter touchdowns as Michigan QB Bryce Underwood threw two fourth-quarter interceptions in No. 13 Texas’ 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over the No. 18 Wolverines. (Yahoo! Sports)
PODCAST
(Episode from December 31, 2025)
REMEMBER THIS?
4th-ranked Texas Tech faces No. 5 Oregon today in the Capitol One Orange Bowl.
NBA: Victor Wembanyama left Wednesday’s game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs with what he said after the game was a hyperextended knee. The injury requires further testing, but Wembanyama was confident he won’t be sidelined long, if at all.
Wembanyama finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes as San Antonio avenged a loss to New York in the NBA Cup final on Dec. 16 with a 134-132 win last night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Spurs get the holiday off while Dallas and Houston take to the courts.
NHL: Tage Thompson scored twice within 2 1/2 minutes midway through the third period and had an assist as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 on Wednesday night to extend their winning streak to 10 games. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Stars get no rest today as they travel to Chicago.
The Texas Country Reporter visits a Texas grocery store that time seemingly forgot.
