When Texas and Michigan clash in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, it won’t just be about who walks away with the win - it’ll be about who steps up when the spotlight shifts. With both programs on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff, this bowl game becomes a proving ground for the next wave of talent. And with a number of key players opting out, the door swings wide open for some fresh faces to make their mark.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t mince words earlier this month when talking about the challenge - and opportunity - facing his roster.
“When you only got 65 scholarship players, everybody's got to be ready to go,” Sarkisian said. “If you're not in the starting lineup, you keep your batting hands in the dugout, because you never know when your number is going to get called to get in the on-deck circle.”
Translation? This game is going to be a live audition for a lot of Longhorns who’ve been waiting their turn. And for Texas fans, that’s where things get interesting.
This isn’t just about filling in for the stars who aren’t suiting up - it’s about seeing who’s ready to take the next step. Who’s been grinding behind the scenes? Who’s been waiting for this exact moment to show they belong on the big stage?
The Citrus Bowl may not carry the weight of a playoff game, but for Texas and Michigan, it’s a critical checkpoint. For some players, it’s a final college showcase. For others, it’s the beginning of something bigger.
Expect to see a lot of new faces in burnt orange - and with them, a glimpse into the future of the program. Whether it's a young quarterback getting his first extended action, a redshirt freshman finally unleashed, or a depth player turned starter overnight, this game is going to reveal a lot about what Texas has coming down the pipeline.
So while the headlines might focus on who’s not playing, the real story will be about who steps up. And for Texas, that means Wednesday's Citrus Bowl isn’t just the end of a season - it’s the start of something new.