The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is closing in quickly and it’s time to break down the matchups that will decide this one. Despite the changes that have happened for both teams, particularly Michigan, there are still some high-level bouts in this one. Michigan still brings a high-level defense and run game into this one that Texas will have to contend with, making for some elite matchups.
Arch Manning vs. Wink Martindale
I almost made this Steve Sarkisian against Wink Martindale, but I see this slightly differently. Sarkisian decidedly won this battle in Ann Arbor in 2024, but that was with a three-year starter in Quinn Ewers. This time, it’s Arch Manning’s turn to face the NFL-style defensive coordinator and he has to be smart and decisive. If he hesitates slightly, the ball could be going the other way for six points.
Texas OL vs. Michigan DL
If I asked any Longhorn fan the position group they are most intrigued to see, I think the offensive line would be the consensus. DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson will play in this one, but I wouldn’t expect it to be for very long. I expect to see Nate Kibble, Daniel Cruz, Jaydon Chatman and Nick Brooks throughout this game. It’ll be a great challenge for them with Rayshaun Benny, Damon Pierce and more will be a handful and it will give a great idea of how aggressive Texas has to be in the portal.
Bryce Underwood vs. Johnny Nansen
This is a fun matchup, particularly because this could be Johnny Nansen’s chance to lock up his role heading into 2026. Nansen is set to call the defense for the first time this season with Pete Kwiatkowski having moved on. With Muschamp coming in, the entire defensive staff is likely looking at this game as an audition the same way the players are. For Nansen, he will have to slow down a very dynamic athlete in Bryce Underwood, who is starting to find his groove passing the ball. This will be a fascinating battle to see what Nansen can do and how Bryce Underwood has grown this season.
Texas WRs vs. Michigan Secondary
This is where Texas needs to find an edge in. The Michigan secondary is incredibly talented, but the Texas WR group should have a minor advantage, especially in open space. Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley and Parker Livingstone will lead the way, but the more intriguing piece is how the young players react. How Kaliq Lockett, Jamie Ffrench and Daylan McCutcheon match up against Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill and more will be incredibly telling on what the portal approach needs to be at WR for the Longhorns.
Texas LBs vs. Michigan RBs/TEs
This is massively important, but for two different reasons. Ty’Anthony Smith, Bo Barnes and Brad Spence are likely to lead the way at LB for Texas and they will be faced with some elite RBs and TEs on the other side. At RB, Jordan Marshall has remarkable speed at the RB position and if you do catch him, he’s a load to bring down. At TE, Marlin Klein and Zack Marshall are not only remarkable run blockers, but incredibly dangerous in the pass game. The Texas LBs will have to respond strongly against the run game as well as the pass game if the Longhorns defense is going to slow down Michigan.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Top Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Matchups: Manning vs. Martindale takes centerstage
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
