CHEEZ-IT CITRUS BOWL: MICHIGAN VS TEXAS

December 29, 2025

Parker Livingstone

Camping World Stadium

Texas Longhorns

Day for Kids

Q. How was it today?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Awesome. Great to have both teams out here and spend time at this park and riding rides. I love roller coasters. It is fun to be out here and spend some good time. We had a great child in Dylan, a great young man. We had a lot of fun today with some go-karting and this ride right behind us. It was a good time.

Q. Why was it so important for Texas to give back?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Because the community gives so much to us. Every game is rocking, when we travel, there is a lot of Texas fans at every game. It is always good to give back and be a part of the community.

Q. How serious are y'all taking this game?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Just like any other game. We are treating it like we are playing OU and Red River rivalry. It is another game and excited to be a part of it.

Q. How big was the let down not making the playoffs?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Can't control it. We had some missed opportunities throughout the season, but we are here in Orlando. It has been a great time and excited to play a couple days.

Q. What kind of challenge is Michigan?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: They are a hard defense. They play physical. They have a good front seven, good secondary. It is going to be a real testament to us in the run game and pass game. Excited to play.

Q. You have a long way to go for '26 but how are you looking to take the next step forward?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Maybe just leadership. Be more vocal to the team and to the players. I think that is my biggest part.

Q. What do some of these opt-outs mean for the team?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Just creates opportunity for the young guys. A lot of young guys out there playing. I know the running back room is going to be a lot of young guys and secondaries. It's going be fun to see them get their opportunity to go out and play.

Q. Are there any of the younger wide receivers stepping up?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: 100 percent. Yeah, Jalin kalik and obviously baylin, I think they are all been doing a great job and I'm excited to see them. When an opportunity comes, excited to see what they do.

Q. Mike at running back, has he surprised you at all?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Yeah, when he came in he was in the receiver room. It is good to see him. I think he has found a spot at running back and looks really good out there. He has been running the ball hard in practice and he looks physical.

Q. Have you been pushing Sark for more passes?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: We will see. I almost airmailed that one against Arkansas. I don't think he wants me to do that any more.

Q. Is that your last pass?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: I don't know. We will see.

Q. What did you see from Arch Manning?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: I think everyone counted him out after the first three games, that article came out. But he came out and true character -- look what he did the rest of the season. Unbelievable. The stats prove it. Winning. Great leader. Great teammate. Great player.

Q. Anyone else we should look for in the Bowl game?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: All the guys, the young guys, the freshmen really stepped up in practice. When their opportunity comes on Wednesday, they are going to make the most of it.

Q. What's going to be the biggest key to get in the playoffs next year?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Can't have those slip-up games. Have to go out there and we have got to play physical and dominant. We are in the SEC, so we have to go out there as if every week is the SEC Championship.

Q. What did you think of OU and A&M, them losing in the first round?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Everyone is getting beat in the playoffs. It is hard to beat good teams. Credit to them for making the playoffs, but it didn't go their way.

Q. Did you talk to any of the Michigan players about what the last few weeks have been like for them, the distractions?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: I have not. I don't really want to ask that question to them. I know they have a great interim head coach right now, and the head coach they hired is a great coach. I got to know him a little bit during recruiting. I like them a lot. Great coach.

Q. What do you like about Whittingham?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: He's real with you. He is a stand-up guy, always going to give his hundred percent. I never went to visit Utah or anything. Talked a couple times over the phone and it was good conversations all the time.

Q. Were you surprised DeAndre opted out to go in the transfer?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: Yeah, I thought he was going to go NFL. He is a great player, great leader. Hurts to have someone like that not in our room, but that just creates opportunities for us young guys to step up and take control of the room.

Q. Where is he going?

PARKER LIVINGSTONE: I have no idea. I have no idea.