As Texas football takes a developmental approach to its preparation for the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, the game could offer a preview for 2026.

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns were not following in Notre Dame's footsteps after failing to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns will have somewhat of a marquee matchup on their hands, as they take on Michigan at 2 p.m. CT Dec. 31 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Texas finished just outside the College Football Playoff with a 9-3 record and No. 14 ranking, while Michigan also ended up 9-3, but at No. 18.

North Texas announced that associate head coach Drew Svoboda will be interim coach for the No. 23 Mean Green at the New Mexico Bowl that will cap their record-breaking 11-2 season.

The Texas Longhorns will be facing a different head coach when they take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl after the firing of Sherrone Moore.

LSU football will take the field for the Texas Bowl without three key starters. According to NOLA.com’s Wilson Alexander, cornerback Mansoor Delane, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and linebacker Whit Weeks will all miss the Tigers’ contest against Houston due to injuries.