URGENT UPDATE: The No. 14 Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, set for 3 p.m. on December 31, 2025. However, the Longhorns are facing significant challenges as they will be without several key players.
Texas will enter this high-stakes game missing its top two rushers, CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner, who have opted out due to transfers and NFL opportunities. This marks a pivotal moment for the Longhorns, as it will also be their first game under head coach Steve Sarkisian without defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who was fired earlier this month following the team’s failure to qualify for the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years, according to the Associated Press.
Former Florida and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp, who previously served as Texas’s defensive coordinator from 2008-2010, will take the reins in a time of transition for the team. The arrival of Muschamp adds a layer of urgency as he works to establish a new defensive strategy before the bowl game.
“Yeah, that one hurt a little bit,” said Colin Simmons, All-American edge and UT sophomore, reflecting on Kwiatkowski’s departure. “But you know, like Coach Nansen said, it’s a business.”
Ty Anthony Smith, linebacker and fellow sophomore, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Obviously, I wasn’t as happy when he left. But just being excited. Understanding that the future for him, whatever it holds, he’ll go there and do great things.”
Co-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen emphasized the resilience of the team, noting, “They’re used to change. We understand with guys opting out, and now coaches and changes like this. We understand it’s part of the business, and players have been great at handling it.”
Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood added, “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. Now their role gets to expand. This gives them a chance to impact the game this week, and it provides a glimpse of what is coming in the future.”
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl presents an opportunity for Texas to showcase emerging talent and adapt to the challenges ahead. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the Longhorns will respond amid these changes as they prepare to face a formidable Michigan squad.
Stay tuned for live updates and reactions as the game approaches, and see how the Longhorns navigate these unprecedented challenges on the field!
