Texas Running Back CJ Baxter to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
A significant change is on the horizon for Texas football as running back CJ Baxter is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This announcement was confirmed by Pete Nakos from On3.
CJ Baxter’s Background
Baxter, a former five-star recruit, gained prominence while playing high school football at Edgewater in Orlando, Florida. He was ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2023 class by the Rivals Industry Ranking, which aggregates assessments from various major recruiting services.
Career Highlights at Texas
During his time at Texas, Baxter played in 21 games and amassed impressive statistics:
- Total rushing yards: 855
- Total touchdowns: 4
- Receptions: 36
- Receiving yards: 197
- Additional touchdowns: 1
Initially, Baxter made a strong impact as a true freshman, earning 659 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns. However, his potential was hindered by injuries that limited his playing time.
Injuries and Challenges
For the 2024 season, Baxter aimed to solidify his role but faced significant setbacks, including a knee injury that caused him to miss the entire sophomore season. His return in 2025 did not meet expectations, resulting in just 196 rushing yards and no touchdowns.
Current Situation for Texas Running Backs
Baxter’s decision to leave creates a notable shift in the Texas running back roster. The team currently has four scholarship running backs left:
- Tre Wisner – Potential NFL prospect
- James Simon – Early-season contributor
- Christian Clark – Early-season contributor
- Rickey Stewart Jr. – Freshman
As Coach Steve Sarkisian continues to reshape the Longhorns’ roster, Baxter’s departure marks another chapter in the team’s ongoing transformation as they prepare for the upcoming seasons, notably looking ahead to 2026.
