Running backs vie for future roles, a young secondary faces a stern test, and Arch Manning aims to shine in this pivotal final matchup.
After over a month of waiting, Texas finally takes the field for one last time this season in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan.
The stakes are minimal, but a win could give the Longhorns some much-needed confidence headed into a pivotal offseason.
Here are three things to look out for in Texas' last game of 2025.
Which Running Back Steps Up?
It's not a secret that the Longhorns are looking to upgrade their RB room next season. In addition to the signings of highly rated recruits Derrek Cooper and Jett Walker, Texas is expected to add a star ball carrier in the Transfer Portal.
But today, the Longhorns have to roll with three backs who received minimal carries this year. For James Simon, Christian Clark, and Michael Terry, a standout performance today could give them a leg up on the rest of the room.
It'll also be interesting to see if standout returner Ryan Niblett sees an increased workload.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is using this game as a test to see who he can trust, so the RBs are not only fighting for the win, they're fighting for their jobs.
Young Secondary
Another area the Longhorns have been decimated in is the secondary. With defensive backs Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau and Michael Taaffe all declaring for the NFL Draft, Texas will have to rely on young and inexperienced players to shut down the Wolverines passing attack.
Guys like Kade Phillips, Kobe Black and Graceson Littleton have already stepped up in big moments this season, but now players like Jonah Williams, Xavier Filsaime and Wardell Mack have a chance to show their worth.
There's likely to be a lot of growing pains, but this is the experience the Longhorns need to prepare for next season.
There's no doubt that new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will have his eyes glued to the secondary, evaluating what's needed to elevate Texas' defense to a championship level.
Arch Manning
It's been a wild ride for Arch Manning this season, and he may even be a little glad that the season is coming to a close.
The Citrus Bowl acts as a preseason game for Manning.
He's shown his ability to the world in the latter stages of the regular season, and now it's time to ride that momentum as the Longhorns get their preparations going for 2026.
Texas was hit hard by the portal and draft in a lot of areas, but the wide receiver core and offensive line remain mostly intact for its New Year's Eve game.
Having a set of familiar faces around him allows Manning a chance to close the season in style and perhaps start his campaign for next year's Heisman Trophy.