Texas Longhorns RB CJ Baxter Enters Transfer Portal as Program Eyes Future Backfield Options

The Texas Longhorns capped their 2025 regular season with a significant win over the rival Texas A&M Aggies. Unfortunately, the victory was not enough to push Texas into the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Longhorns will now prepare for a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against the Michigan Wolverines.

However, while Texas shifts its attention to the postseason, roster movement has already begun. With the college football transfer portal officially opening on January 2, several players across the country are already announcing their intentions. On Monday morning, one of Texas’ former top recruits made a major decision regarding his future.

CJ Baxter Enters Transfer Portal After Three Seasons in Austin

Third-year running back CJ Baxter has decided to enter the transfer portal, ending his time with the Longhorns. In three seasons, Baxter appeared in 21 games and recorded 855 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 197 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Baxter arrived in Austin with enormous expectations. He was part of Texas’ elite 2023 recruiting class, ranked No. 3 nationally, and headlined by high-profile names like Arch Manning and Anthony Hill Jr. According to 247Sports, Baxter was the No. 1 running back in the 2023 recruiting cycle, ranked as the No. 30 overall player in the nation, and No. 8 prospect in Florida.

A Promising Start Hampered by Injuries and Competition

Once Baxter stepped on campus, he was projected to become a difference-maker. He was named Texas’ starting running back to open the 2023 season. Yet, lingering injuries and the breakout performance of Jonathon Brooks resulted in a reduced workload.

Despite the shared carries, Baxter flashed potential, finishing his freshman year with 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly five yards per carry. Those numbers suggested he was just beginning to scratch the surface.

Heading into 2024, Baxter was positioned as the featured back and a focal point of the offense. Unfortunately, his season ended before it started. A season-ending knee injury sidelined him and halted his trajectory.

After a long recovery, Baxter returned to action in 2025. However, the comeback season did not deliver the production he hoped for. He finished with only 196 rushing yards and failed to score a touchdown, making this a difficult end to a once-promising journey with the Longhorns.

How Texas’ Running Back Room Looks Moving Forward

With Baxter moving on, Texas still has considerable talent on the roster, but uncertainty remains. Currently, the Longhorns carry four scholarship running backs, including Quintrevion Wisner, who is now draft eligible and may face a significant decision of his own.

Texas also has James Simon and Christian Clark, both of whom earned playing time early in the 2025 season and showed flashes of reliability. Additionally, freshman Rickey Stewart Jr. remains an intriguing young option who could develop into a dependable contributor.

Although this group has ability, none of the remaining backs have yet secured a long-term hold on the starting role. Therefore, the competition heading into spring practice could be wide open.

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Texas Adds Five-Star Talent and Eyes Portal Opportunities

One of the biggest storylines for next season is the arrival of five-star running back Derrek Cooper, who officially signed with Texas on early signing day. Ranked as the No. 4 running back nationally, Cooper is expected to compete immediately for carries and may provide the explosive playmaking the Longhorns need.

Still, while Cooper’s signing is a major win for the future, the coaching staff may not be done building. The transfer portal has become a vital tool for roster construction, and Texas could pursue an experienced running back to help stabilize the position.

Considering the injuries, departures, and uncertainty surrounding current personnel, adding a veteran presence could provide valuable insurance and leadership.

A Transition Period for the Longhorns Backfield

Texas enters the postseason with momentum but also with change on the horizon. The departure of CJ Baxter ends a chapter filled with potential but impacted by circumstances beyond his control. Meanwhile, the Longhorns face a crucial opportunity to reshape their offensive identity.

With young talent emerging, a five-star recruit on the way, and the portal offering additional options, Texas has multiple pathways to strengthen its running back room. As the Longhorns prepare for the Citrus Bowl and look ahead to 2026, the future of the backfield could be one of the most important storylines of the offseason.

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