The Texas Longhorns didn’t make the CFP playoffs, so they will try to win, the Cheezit Bowl vs, the Michigan Wolverines, who are a team in disarray.

Texas. vs. Michigan headline one of the most fascinating bowl matchups of the postseason, as two blueblood programs arrive here under dramatically different circumstances. September feels like a lifetime ago, but these teams met last season and now cross paths again with rosters, coaching staffs, and motivations reshaped, making this a must win bowl game, for both teams.

These two teams, met in Ann Arbour last fall, in the Big House, with the Longhorns winning convincingly 32-12, but the stakes are very diffrent this time around.

Michigan has endured a turbulent offseason, parting ways with Sherrone Moore and installing Biff Poggi as interim head coach. Former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is waiting in the wings, but Poggi is known for aggressive game plans and creativity, especially in high-profile spots.

Texas closed the regular season with a strong home win over Texas AandM, but the Longhorns are dealing with major personnel losses. Seven of the top eleven defenders are expected to miss this game, along with running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter. Those absences loom large against a Michigan offense that should be close to full strength.

Michigan has endured a turbulent offseason, parting ways with Sherrone Moore and installing Biff Poggi as interim head coach. Former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is waiting in the wings, but Poggi is known for aggressive game plans and creativity, especially in high-profile spots.

Texas closed the regular season with a strong home win over Texas AandM, but the Longhorns are dealing with major personnel losses. Seven of the top eleven defenders are expected to miss this game, along with running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter. Those absences loom large against a Michigan offense that should be close to full strength.

With Arch Manning gaining more confidence, as the game vs. Oklahoma and the dreaded Texas A&M Aggies showed, he is ready for the big show. A stellar performance vs. Michigan will go along way for him in 2026, as Texas looks to upgrade their offense, in the Transfer Portal.

Michigan’s offense may actually benefit from changes on the coaching staff, while Texas is trying to patch together a defense that has been gutted by opt-outs and injuries. Poggi is not the type of coach to play this conservatively, and Sarkisian will still look to score points rather than sit on a lead. But the lingering scandal on the Michigans players minds, are still lingering.

Final Score and Analysis: Look for Archie Manning to air it out, as well as stretch plays with his legs. This will be a close one and the Longhorns should pull it out, at the end.

Final Prediction: Texas Longhorns 35 Michigan Wolverines 21