Michigan’s 9-3 finish in the 2025 season isn’t the main talking point surrounding the program. The focus has been on the coaching turmoil following the firing of Sherrone Moore. The Wolverines will look to close the season on a high note when they face Texas in the Citrus Bowl today.
Texas opened the year ranked No. 1 in the preseason but also finished the regular season with a 9-3 record. Today’s game marks the Longhorns’ first-ever appearance in the Citrus Bowl.
Michigan Wolverines Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi confirmed three opt-outs for the Texas matchup last Monday: Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Giovanni El-Hadi. Moore has been among the Wolverines’ recorded double-digit sacks and steady pressure throughout the season, while El-Hadi’s decision leaves Michigan without a flexible piece along the offensive line.
Meanwhile, Poggi shared on Tuesday that Michigan is expected to be without 12-15 players against Texas due to injury-related circumstances.
“We have some others who this week have decided not to play based on injuries,” Poggi said. “Our number [of players not going to play] is probably more like 12 to 15 in actuality. But, look, it’s the Citrus Bowl, and you’re playing against Texas, who was the preseason No. 1-ranked team in the country, who, in my opinion, should’ve gotten one of those bids.
“So, our kids are excited about competing against them. The only other SEC team we played this year, we got beat pretty good by Oklahoma, so our kids are excited to play. If you can’t get excited to play against Texas, you’re in the wrong sport.”
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Michigan last took the field a month ago in a 27-9 loss to Ohio State on Nov. 29. Following that game’s injury reports, I’Marion Stewart, Donovan Johnson, Andrew Babalola, Devon Baxter, CJ Charleston, and Jaydon Hood were already ruled out for the remainder of the season.
However, Michigan can still rely on running back Jordan Marshall and quarterback Bryce Underwood in the rushing attack to help control the line of scrimmage. Underwood earned a 78.1 mark in the PFSN QB Impact Metric, totaling 2,229 passing yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Texas Longhorns Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Running back Quintrevion Wisner opted out of the Michigan game after entering the transfer portal. He ended the regular season with 597 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Running back CJ Baxter and wide receiver DeAndre Moore have also opted out after entering the portal. The absence of both Wisner and Baxter will definitely thin Texas’ rushing depth.
Meanwhile, several Texas players have chosen to opt out while preparing for the NFL Draft. That group includes linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., defensive backs Michael Taaffe, Malik Muhammad, and Jaylon Guilbeau, along with edge rushers Trey Moore and Ethan Burke.
How To Watch the Citrus Bowl
The Citrus Bowl will be shown on ABC.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Place: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
TV: ABC
Mark Jones will handle play-by-play duties for Michigan’s game with Texas, alongside analyst Roddy Jones and sideline reporter Alyssa Lang.
The game can also be heard on ESPN Radio, with Troy Clardy on play-by-play, Je’Rod Cherry providing analysis, and Marilyn Payne reporting from the sidelines. Fans can stream the game through Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live.
