The University of Texas football team is facing some changes as two offensive players declared their intention to transfer to the portal. The news came to light on Monday morning through an ESPN report. Running back CJ Baxter and quarterback Trey Owens took to Instagram to confirm their decision to enter the transfer portal once it opens on Jan. 2.
Baxter, a redshirt sophomore, had a challenging journey during his time at Texas due to injuries. After missing the entirety of the 2024 season with a knee injury, he struggled with a hamstring injury this season, limiting him to only eight games. Baxter managed to rush for 196 yards on 54 carries, showing flashes of his potential when healthy. However, Quintrevion Wisner's dominance on the field kept Baxter behind on the depth chart.
A former five-star prospect, Baxter had a standout freshman season in 2023, accumulating 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries. Despite his injury setbacks, his explosive abilities were evident on the field. His decision to transfer marks the second departure from the Longhorns' running back squad this season, with Jerrick Gibson opting for a transfer mid-season.
Owens, a four-star recruit in 2024, made the choice to join Texas but struggled to secure a significant role, remaining third on the depth chart. With three remaining years of eligibility, he seeks opportunities elsewhere to maximize his playing time and potential growth.
The Longhorns' running back depth took another hit with Baxter's departure, indicating a shift in the team dynamics. The presence of Wisner and the arrival of Derrek Cooper in the upcoming season contributed to a crowded backfield, leaving limited opportunities for Baxter to showcase his skills fully.
Despite the challenges faced at Texas, both Baxter and Owens have a wealth of talent to offer to new programs. Baxter's prior accolades and Owens' potential as a promising quarterback could attract interest from teams looking to bolster their roster. As they navigate this transition, these players bring valuable skills and experiences that could benefit their future teams.
Moving forward, Texas aims to enhance its roster depth to adapt to these departures and ensure continued competitiveness in the college football landscape. The Longhorns will focus on recruiting and developing players to maintain a strong foundation for future seasons.
Additionally, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Melvin Hills III has also announced his plans to enter the transfer portal, adding to the changes within the Longhorns program. As head coach Steve Sarkisian engages in exit meetings with players, Texas is navigating transitions to reshape its team for the upcoming seasons. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving landscape of Texas Longhorns football.
