Texas Roster Changes and Coaching Updates Ahead of Citrus Bowl
AUSTIN — With the College Football Playoff officially out of reach, the #13 Texas Longhorns are shifting gears to their Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan. The clear focus now is on the future, as the roster for the December 31st game has been finalized with significant changes.
Several key starters have officially opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, significantly altering the lineup fans will see in Orlando. On December 26, the team arrived in Orlando to begin final preparations, with Head Coach Steve Sarkisian confirming the team has just 65 scholarship players available for the contest.
Defensive Opt-Outs
The Longhorns’ defense will be without several starters who have elected to opt out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft or enter the transfer portal. Confirmed absences include:
- Confirmed Defensive Absences:
- Anthony Hill Jr. (LB) - Preparing for NFL Draft
- Michael Taaffe (S) - Preparing for NFL Draft
- Malik Muhammad (CB) - Preparing for NFL Draft
- Trey Moore (EDGE) - Preparing for NFL Draft
- Manny Muhammad (CB) - Preparing for NFL Draft
- Ethan Burke (DL) - Reduced role/Health
- Jaylon Guilbeau (DB) - Preparing for NFL Draft
Additionally, linebacker Liona Lefau has entered the transfer portal, and offensive weapon DeAndre Moore Jr. is also absent. Running backs CJ Baxter and Jerrick Gibson have also announced their intentions to transfer, depleting the backfield depth behind Jaydon Blue.
Sarkisian noted that the first week of bowl practice has been heavily focused on development, specifically geared toward younger players who haven’t seen as much action this year. The staff is using this time to get back to fundamentals and techniques before shifting full focus to the Michigan game plan.
Coaching Carousel
The coaching staff has also undergone a shakeup following the regular season.
- Departures: Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and Defensive Backs Coach Duane Akina are no longer with the program.
- New Hire: Texas has hired former Florida and South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp as the new Defensive Coordinator. Muschamp previously served as DC at Texas from 2008-2010.
- Bowl Interim: While Muschamp begins his transition, **Johnny NanIn a major move for the program’s future, Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has officially hired former Texas Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp to return to the Forty Acres in the same role.
Muschamp, a proven defensive mastermind, will replace Pete Kwiatkowski. However, for the Citrus Bowl specifically, Johnny Nansen will handle the defensive play-calling duties, giving Muschamp time to evaluate the roster and recruiting class before fully taking the reins in the offseason.
“Assuming the role of defensive coordinator provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level,” Sarkisian stated regarding the hire. “His defenses are relentless.”m that is also navigating its own roster changes. Quarterback Arch Manning will lead the announced offense, looking to cap off his first full season as a starter with a 10th win.
Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM CT on December 31 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, broadcast on ABC.
