The Citrus Bowl is serving up a marquee quarterback showdown that college football fans have been waiting for. It’s Texas vs.
Michigan, but the real headline? Arch Manning vs.
Bryce Underwood - two of the most hyped quarterback prospects we’ve seen in years, now set to square off on one of the sport’s biggest postseason stages.
Let’s start with Michigan. The Wolverines pulled off a recruiting coup when they landed Bryce Underwood, a true freshman whose commitment flip stunned the college football world.
Underwood’s arrival in Ann Arbor sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, and now he’s not just on the roster - he’s on the field, under center, in a bowl game with serious national attention. That’s not just trust from the coaching staff - that’s a statement.
On the other sideline, Texas is rolling with Arch Manning, who’s making his first full-season start and now gets his biggest test yet. The Manning name comes with weight - Peyton and Eli set the bar high - but Arch is carving his own path in Austin. He’s not just a legacy; he’s a legitimate talent, and today, he’s the guy for the Longhorns.
So yes, Arch Manning is starting in the Citrus Bowl. There was some chatter earlier in the year about what his future might look like, especially with the NFL Draft always looming for top-tier quarterbacks.
But for now, that’s not the direction he’s taking. He’s staying in college - and could be around for up to two more seasons, depending on how things unfold.
That’s great news for Texas. Manning’s development has been steady, and giving him more time to grow in the college game could pay big dividends - not just for the Longhorns, but for his long-term trajectory.
As for today, this isn’t just another bowl game. It’s a glimpse into the future of college football. Two high-profile quarterbacks, both with NFL potential, both leading storied programs - and both looking to make a statement.
The Citrus Bowl just became must-watch football.