At a Glance
- Arch Manning amassed 376 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 41-27 Citrus Bowl win.
- Texas earned its third straight 10-win season, a feat not seen since 2007-2009.
- The 2024 Citrus Bowl drew 6.8 million viewers, the highest rating since 2020.
- Why it matters: Manning’s performance cements his status and highlights the importance of non-Playoff bowls for teams and fans.
In Orlando, Texas quarterback Arch Manning delivered a game-defining performance that not only secured a Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan but also extended the Longhorns’ winning streak to three consecutive 10-game seasons.
Manning’s 376-Yard Masterclass
Manning threw for 221 yards, connected with Jack Endires and Kaliq Lockett for passing touchdowns, and rushed for 155 yards, including a 23-yard scramble and a 60-yard option run that sealed the game.
- Two passing touchdowns
- Two rushing touchdowns
- 60-yard option run
Arch Manning stated:
> “It was about staying the course and continuing to compete. We had a month of preparation for the game, and we got some new guys acclimated. It was cool to cap this off the way we did.”
Texas’ 10-Game Legacy
The win marked Texas’ third consecutive 10-win season, a stretch the program hasn’t achieved since 2007-2009.
Steve Sarkisian said:
> “We need to reframe our picture of what these bowls are. We had nine starters that weren’t on the team by the time we kicked off today … but that doesn’t mean the bowl games don’t matter to these guys. There are just new faces. There are a bunch of guys in the locker-room who are trying to seize the moment. Michigan, to their credit, had a bunch of fight in them today, too.”
Bowl Game Impact and Ratings
The Citrus Bowl attracted 6.8 million viewers, the best performance since 2020, while the 2020 game drew 14 million.
| Metric | Arch Manning (2025 Citrus) | Vince Young (2005 Rose) |
|---|---|---|
| Total offense | 376 yards | 372 yards |
| Touchdowns | 4 (2 pass, 2 rush) | 5 (1 pass, 4 rush) |
| Passing yards | 221 (21-for-34) | 180 (16-for-28) |
| Rushing yards | 155 (9 carries) | 192 (21 carries) |
Manning’s 60-yard score ties Young for the third-longest touchdown run in Texas bowl history.
Key Takeaways
- Arch Manning’s 376-yard, 4-TD performance led Texas to a Citrus Bowl victory and a 10-win season.
- Texas achieved its third straight 10-game season, a milestone not reached since 2007-2009.
- The 2024 Citrus Bowl drew 6.8 million viewers, underscoring the significance of non-Playoff bowl games.
Manning’s standout night not only showcases his talent but also reaffirms the importance of bowl games for Texas and the broader college football landscape.
