Kentucky shares encouraging update on CJ Baxter’s status for Vanderbilt game
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The Kentucky Wildcats have pushed up to No. 12 in the AP poll after beginning the Will Stein Era unranked. Kentucky is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with three SEC road wins on its resume, including last week’s triumph at Oklahoma. That victory came without starting running back CJ Baxter, who could return to the field this weekend.
On Wednesday night, the SEC released the initial availability report for Vanderbilt-Kentucky. Baxter, a Texas transfer, was listed as probable, alongside linebacker Tavion Wallace and defensive lineman Kalen Edwards.
CJ Baxter is probable for Kentucky. He was held out last week with a hamstring. https://t.co/VhO8gziPPC
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 22, 2026
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Baxter leads the Wildcats with 87 carries, 484 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Kentucky’s offense struggled to get its rushing attack going without him against the Sooners. Jason Patterson and Jovantae Barnes, Baxter’s primary backups, combined for just 54 yards on 17 carries (3.2 yards per carry) in the Wildcats’ 21-13 win.
Kentucky rolled into Norman following two incredibly emotional wins over South Carolina and LSU. This weekend’s game vs. the Commodores is the Wildcats’ last before a Halloween bye. That off week should provide an opportunity to reset mentally before the stretch run, but overlooking Vandy could cost them a potential CFP berth. Vanderbilt and Kentucky face off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night (SEC Network).
