The Michigan Wolverines have won three straight bowl games after five straight losses and are preparing for a tough game against Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns on December 31, 2025. The Wolverines went 9-3 this season but didn't receive consideration for the College Football Playoff after a

Michigan football star running back Justice Haynes and linebacker Ernest Hausmann were not with the team for the first bowl practice.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Michigan football will be shorthanded in the Citrus Bowl, as expected, following a series of player opt-outs and injuries. Edge rusher Derrick Moore, linebacker Jaishawn Barham and offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi are all skipping Wednesday’s game against Texas (3 p.m., ABC) to begin preparing for the NFL draft.

For the Michigan media, Kyle Whittingham's press conference will likely end up being the most newsworthy event in Orlando. He will watch the Citrus Bowl from a box at Camping World Stadium.

The Wolverines will look very different in 2026, but these are the 5 players we hope the next Michigan Football coaching staff will be able to retain:

Despite Biff Poggi’s comments that there could be 25 new opt-outs for the Citrus Bowl, everyone made the trip to Orlando.

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia looks ahead to the final game of the 2025 season for Michigan football vs. Texas in the Citrus Bowl.

Michigan football coach Biff Poggi has confirmed three players expected to opt out of the Citrus Bowl against Texas.