UPDATE: The No. 14 Texas Longhorns are preparing to battle the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025, but they will be doing so without several crucial players. This game marks a significant moment for the Longhorns as they navigate a roster impacted by transfers and opt-outs.
As the team gears up for the 3 p.m. kickoff in Orlando, they will be missing their top two rushers, CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner, who have opted out of the bowl game to focus on their futures. This situation is compounded by the recent firing of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, marking the first game for head coach Steve Sarkisian without him at the helm.
The Longhorns are now under the guidance of former Florida and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp, who previously served as Texas’s defensive coordinator from 2008-2010. This coaching change comes after the Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years, a decision reported by the Associated Press.
“Yeah, that one hurt a little bit,” said Colin Simmons, All-American edge and UT sophomore. “But you know, like Coach Nansen said, it’s a business.”
Fellow sophomore Ty Anthony Smith expressed his feelings on the transition, noting, “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 and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood addressed the changes, emphasizing how the team has adapted. “They’re used to change. We understand with guys opting out, and now coaches and changes like this. It’s part of the business,” Nansen stated. 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.”
As the Longhorns prepare to face Michigan, the focus is on how these changes will shape the team’s performance. The upcoming game not only offers a chance for younger players to step up but also sets the stage for the future dynamics of the Longhorns under new leadership.
With the clock ticking down to the Citrus Bowl, all eyes will be on Texas as they attempt to rally and make a statement in this pivotal match-up. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops leading up to the game.
