The Texas Longhorns became the one and only Texas team win to a bowl game as they used a 17-point fourth quarter to sprint to a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve in Orlando.

Even more promising than the final score was the Longhorns' ability to compete without a handful of regular starters, many of whom opted out of the game after declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft.

That opened the door for Steve Sarkisian to scout what the younger talent looks like after a full season of practice and spotty in-game opportunities. It projects what talent might be returning that could fill holes in the starting lineup ahead of 2026 for the fall.

Yes, a group of Longhorns will be on their way to another program as the transfer portal has officially opened, but Texas will delve in that area, too. With a lucrative as opportunities are in Austin and the Texas brand greatly intriguing many prospects already, the Longhorns will enjoy a more complete roster turnover than many other power conference teams.

After the Citrus Bowl, Pro Football Focus released their player grades to give us a better idea of who stood out most and will likely receive a greater role in Sarkisian's system next season.

I don't think you can hand Colin Simmons a bigger opportunity to thrive than he already has, but the standout sophomore is out for even more in 2026.

The SEC's sacks leader (12.0) was named a 2nd Team All-American by The Sporting News, but deserved even more nationwide praise than that. His showing against the Wolverines was a final appetizer of what we could see in a junior year that launches him to the top of NFL Mock Drafts a year from now.

Citrus Bowl: 1.0 sacks, 2 TFL, Defensive MVP

PFF Grade: 64.2

With All-American linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. off to the pros, a huge opportunity came up for Smith to show exactly why he and Simmons will be the anchors of Sarkisian's unit next season.

He showed that potential in the win over Michigan across multiple facets, and Sark is enjoying seeing how this duo has meshed.

"Colin's another guy that, as you grow in our program, you start to assume new roles, new responsibilities, and he's grown into one of the leaders on that defense with (Smith) and it felt very natural and comfortable. It didn't feel fabricated," Sarkisian said postgame.

Citrus Bowl: 2 INT, 9 total tackles (team-high), 1 TFL

PFF Grade: 66.8

Quarterback Arch Manning was the star of the show and will rightfully get his fair share of flowers as he prepares for a potential Heisman Trophy season next year, but his potential running mate got his first major crack at a workhorse load. Clark balled out with the ball in his hands.

The redshirt-freshman totaled a career-high in yards as the Longhorns' full-time starter on Wednesday, showing that if Sarkisian does not land a proven star in the portal, then Clark is more than ready to take the reins of a depleted running back room.

Citrus Bowl: 20 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD

PFF Grade: 73

Phillips finished with the highest PFF grade of the regular defensive players in this one for a reason; he was strong in coverage and laid the punch when needed. He was tied with Smith in the team-lead with eight solo tackles and matched the amount of tackles for loss as Simmons. Those numbers from a boundary corner show foundational potential.

Along with Phillips, safeties Jelani McDonald and Graceon Littleton will team up to make the Longhorns' secondary as lethal as its been with a youth that projects big things to come for years.

Citrus Bowl: 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 PD

PFF Grade: 74.8

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