Michigan faces a depleted Texas squad. Eighteen Longhorns are out, forcing a youth-driven lineup against a physical Wolverines team.
The Texas Longhorns arrive in Orlando for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl facing a reality few playoff-era programs ever want to confront: a postseason game defined less by matchups and more by attrition.
While fans were focused on the holidays, the Texas roster underwent a rapid transformation that has left Steve Sarkisian scrambling for answers against Michigan.
In total, 18 Longhorns will not be available for the bowl game - 12 via the transfer portal and six declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft - creating significant holes across the depth chart.
Incoming recruits are ineligible, meaning Texas will rely heavily on inexperienced and unproven players in one of college football's most physical bowl environments.
Running back and linebacker have been hit the hardest. The Texas run game struggled mightily throughout 2025, and Sarkisian appears ready to completely reset the position group.
Texas will be without Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, and Jerrick Gibson at running back due to the portal, stripping the offense of experience and explosiveness. Linebacker losses are just as severe, with Liona Lefau transferring and Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore heading to the NFL Draft, leaving the second level thin and largely untested.
The defensive backfield hasn't escaped the damage either. Two DBs entered the portal - Santana Wilson and Derek Williams Jr. - while four more are off to the NFL, including team leader Michael Taaffe, along with Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, and Ethan Burke.
The result is a secondary leaning heavily on young players who have logged limited high-leverage snaps.
Wide receiver depth has also taken a hit with DeAndre Moore and Aaron Butler transferring, while the offensive line lost Connor Stroh to the portal.
Along the defensive front, Melvin Hills III departed, thinning interior depth. Even special teams aren’t immune, as kicker Will Stone will not play.
The full list of opt-outs is extensive and impossible to ignore.
Transfer Portal: Quintrevion Wisner (RB), CJ Baxter (RB), DeAndre Moore (WR), Trey Owens (QB), Aaron Butler (WR), Santana Wilson (CB), Connor Stroh (OL), Melvin Hills III (DT), Derek Williams Jr. (DB), Liona Lefau (LB), Jerrick Gibson (RB), Will Stone (K). 2026 NFL Draft: Anthony Hill Jr. (LB), Michael Taaffe (DB), Malik Muhammad (DB), Jaylon Guilbeau (DB), Ethan Burke (EDGE), Trey Moore (LB/DE).
That reality forces Texas into a youth-movement bowl lineup led by Arch Manning at quarterback, with a running back room featuring Christian Clark, James Simon, and Michael Terry.
At linebacker, Tyanthony Smith and Bo Barnes are expected to shoulder the load. The secondary will lean on players like Kobe Black, Kade Phillips, Xavier Filsaime, and Jelani McDonald in a trial-by-fire situation against a Michigan offense built on physicality and discipline.
This isn't about effort or motivation; it's about numbers, reps, and experience. Texas simply doesn’t have much margin for error.
Sarkisian's long-term roster vision may benefit from the reset, but in the short term, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl represents a legitimate problem for the Longhorns. Against a seasoned Michigan squad, Texas will be asking a young roster to grow up fast ... or pay the price.