CJ Baxter Enters Transfer Portal: Texas Longhorns Face Running Back Shakeup for 2025

CJ Baxter’s Decision Sends Ripples Through Texas Football

On a brisk Monday morning, the Texas Longhorns received news that would instantly alter the landscape of their football program: CJ Baxter, the once-celebrated running back, declared his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement came on the heels of the Longhorns’ bittersweet end to the 2025 regular season—a thrilling victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, but a season that ultimately fell short of College Football Playoff aspirations. Instead, Texas finds itself prepping for a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, with a roster in flux.

From Top Recruit to Transfer: Baxter’s Journey in Austin

Baxter’s arrival at Texas was heralded as a new era for the Longhorns’ offense. As a member of the program’s star-studded 2023 recruiting class—one ranked No. 3 nationally and featuring names like Arch Manning and Anthony Hill Jr.—Baxter stood out. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, he was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 running back in the class and the No. 30 overall player in the country. Expectations were sky-high, and on opening day of the 2023 season, Baxter was handed the reins as starting running back.

His freshman year showcased flashes of brilliance: 659 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and nearly five yards per carry, all while sharing duties with emerging talent Jonathon Brooks. Yet, even then, injury concerns started to surface, limiting Baxter’s consistency and impact. The anticipation for a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024 was palpable among fans and coaches alike. Baxter was slated to be the undisputed starter, ready to build on his promising debut.

But fate intervened. A season-ending knee injury before the first snap of 2024 sidelined Baxter for the entire year, abruptly halting his momentum. The road to recovery was long, and when Baxter returned in 2025, the comeback was anything but triumphant. With just 196 rushing yards and no touchdowns, his final season in burnt orange didn’t match the promise of his recruitment nor the hopes pinned on his return.

The Transfer Portal: A New Chapter for Baxter—and Texas

The transfer portal, set to open officially on January 2, has become a fixture in college football’s modern era—an opportunity for athletes to seek fresh starts and for programs to reshape their rosters. For Baxter, entering the portal marks a chance to redefine his career trajectory. His departure from Austin closes a chapter marked by both high expectations and unfulfilled potential, but also leaves behind a notable record: 21 games played, 855 rushing yards, four touchdowns, plus 36 receptions for 197 yards and another score.

Texas, meanwhile, must grapple with the immediate effects. Baxter’s exit leaves four running backs on the roster, each with their own uncertainties. Quintrevion Wisner, now draft eligible, faces his own pivotal decision. James Simon and Christian Clark have seen considerable action early in the season, while freshman Rickey Stewart Jr. adds youthful energy to the mix. But the running back room is unmistakably thinner, and the program’s depth—once its strength—now appears vulnerable.

Looking Forward: Rebuilding the Longhorns’ Ground Game

Amid the uncertainty, there are glimmers of hope for Texas. The team has secured the signature of Derrek Cooper, a five-star running back ranked No. 4 nationally by Rivals. Cooper’s arrival promises a fresh infusion of talent, and expectations for his impact are already building. Yet, even with Cooper in the fold, the Longhorns may look to the transfer portal themselves—hoping to land a seasoned player who can stabilize the position and provide leadership to a reshuffled unit.

The departure of Baxter is not simply a loss of talent; it’s a symbol of the volatility that now defines college football rosters. Injuries, competition, and the lure of new opportunities have made player movement a constant. For Texas, this means adapting on the fly, leaning on recruitment and development, and perhaps most importantly, fostering a culture where emerging stars are given room to grow.

What’s Next for CJ Baxter?

For Baxter, the path forward is open. His pedigree as a former No. 1 recruit, coupled with experience in one of the nation’s premier programs, will make him a sought-after name in the portal. The questions that surround him—Can he regain his pre-injury form? Will a change of scenery reignite his career?—are ones that only time will answer. But if there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that Baxter’s story is far from over. The college football world will be watching closely as he weighs his options and prepares for his next move.

For Texas, the 2025 season becomes a test of resilience and adaptability. The Longhorns must quickly fill the void left by Baxter, recalibrate their running game, and ensure the team remains competitive on a national stage. In the ever-shifting sands of college athletics, change is the only constant—and how Texas responds will shape the program’s immediate future.

Based on the facts, CJ Baxter’s transfer decision not only marks a personal crossroads, but also serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing college football programs in 2025: the need to balance recruitment, development, and retention in an era defined by player mobility and rapid change.