UPDATE: The No. 14 Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, set for 3 p.m. on December 31, 2025, in Orlando. As the Longhorns prepare to take the field, they face significant challenges, including the absence of key players due to transfers and NFL opt-outs.
Texas will be without its top two rushers, CJ Baxter and Tre Wisner, leaving a notable gap in their offensive strategy. This matchup marks the first game of the Steve Sarkisian era without former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who was dismissed earlier this month following the Longhorns’ failure to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years, according to the Associated Press.
In a surprising move, Texas has appointed Will Muschamp, the former head coach of Florida and South Carolina, as Kwiatkowski’s replacement. Muschamp previously served as Texas’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010, and his return signals a new chapter for the Longhorns’ defense.
Players are processing these changes with a mix of emotions. All-American edge rusher Colin Simmons expressed his feelings about Kwiatkowski’s departure, stating, “Yeah, that one hurt a little bit. With PK being my coach coming in from high school… it’s a business.” His teammate, linebacker Ty Anthony Smith, acknowledged his disappointment but remains optimistic: “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 addressed the situation, emphasizing the adaptability of the team. “They’re used to change. We understand with guys opting out and now coaches leaving. It’s part of the business,” Nansen said. Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood added that the shake-up presents opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles: “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 clock ticks down to the Citrus Bowl, all eyes will be on Texas as they navigate these challenges and aim to secure a victory against a formidable Michigan squad. Fans are eagerly anticipating the game, with implications for both teams as they look to end the season on a high note.
Stay tuned for more updates as the game approaches!
