Michigan vs. Texas Preview, Betting Odds for Citrus Bowl on December 31st
The Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines will meet as two top 20 teams in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve. Can the Longhorns stay unbeaten against Michigan all-time and end their season on a high note? Peter Alexis takes a look at this Michigan vs. Texas Preview and betting odds for the 2025 Citrus Bowl on December 31st in Orlando.
Peter Alexis - December 7, 2025, 2:50 PM EST
4 Minute ReadTexas vs. Michigan Date, Time, Where to Watch, Latest Citrus Bowl Odds
The Citrus Bowl brings together two of college football’s biggest brands as the 9-3 Texas Longhorns meet the 9-3 Michigan Wolverines on December 31 at 3 PM ET from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, airing on ABC. Texas enters as a -4.5 favorite with a total of 46.5, looking to cap off a strong season after finishing just outside the playoff field. Michigan, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a deflating rivalry loss to Ohio State that ended their regular season on a sour note.
Both teams arrive with elite defenses, high end talent, and plenty of national intrigue, which sets this up as one of the best non playoff bowl games on the slate if opt outs remain minimal. Texas flashed championship ceiling at times behind Arch Manning, including their season ending upset of undefeated Texas A&M, while Michigan continues to ride a dominant defensive unit paired with the growing but inconsistent play of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Looking for advanced AI predictions and props to enhance your CFB betting? Try out oddschecker+ now on this limited time 7-day free trial!
Texas vs. Michigan Date, Time, and Where to Watch Citrus Bowl
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ABC
Texas vs. Michigan Odds
Citrus Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Michigan +4.5 | Texas -4.5 |
Michigan ML (+155) | Texas ML (-185) |
Over 46.5 Total Points | Under 46.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Texas vs. Michigan Odds
Texas vs. Michigan Analysis for Citrus Bowl
Oddsmakers made Texas the favorite because their offensive ceiling is simply higher, and when Manning is clicking, the Longhorns can score on anyone. The volatility is the concern, especially against a Michigan defense that ranks among the nation’s best at preventing explosive plays. If Michigan can turn this into a low scoring, possession controlled game, they’ll absolutely have a chance to drag the Longhorns into uncomfortable territory. The total at 46.5 reflects that push pull dynamic between offensive talent and defensive structure.
Michigan’s path here almost entirely hinges on Underwood’s ability to protect the football and make enough timely throws. The Wolverines defense can keep them in any matchup, but the offense has too often disappeared for long stretches, which is dangerous against a Texas team that can put up points in bunches. The Wolverines will look to slow the game down, lean on their run game, and shorten the field for their young quarterback.
Texas will try to push tempo, stress Michigan vertically, and let their defense hunt once they have a lead. The Longhorns also benefit from matchup familiarity, having beaten Michigan twice in their brief history, including the 2005 Rose Bowl thriller and a decisive win in Ann Arbor to open the 2024 season. They’re 2-0 all time against the Wolverines, and the question heading into this year’s Citrus Bowl is whether Texas can stay perfect in the series.
With both teams hungry for a statement and filled with future NFL talent, this matchup has all the ingredients to become the standout non playoff bowl game of the holiday slate.
More College Football Odds
Affiliate Disclosure.
We are not a gambling or betting operator, but we receive a commission from these companies when we advertise their brands and refer customers to them (affiliate marketing). We provide information, odds information and links to websites of these companies. Some of the information made available on our site may be positioned as a result of a commission paid to us by a third party. We do not take or place bets/transactions and any information on Our Products is provided for entertainment purposes only.
