Texas to lose former top running back recruit to transfer portal, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
Now that the 2025 college football season has hit December, it means the transfer portal is about to heat up.
Texas running back CJ Baxter reportedly is set to depart the Longhorns via the portal after 3 seasons in Austin that included a standout freshman campaign in 2023. That’s according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel:
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Baxter was named the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in Texas’s final season in the conference in 2023 after rushing for 659 yards on 138 carries and 5 touchdowns. Baxter sustained a season-ending knee injury prior to the 2024 season, tearing the lateral and posterior collateral ligaments in his right knee.
The redshirt sophomore was used more sparingly behind starter Quintrevion Wisner in 2025, totaling 54 carries for 196 yards. He is also effective out of the backfield, catching 24 passes for 156 yards in 2023 and adding 12 receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown this season.
Texas (9-3) earned the No. 13 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings and is set to play No. 18 Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve (3 pm ET, ABC). The Longhorns and Wolverines have played twice throughout history, with Texas winning both times – including an electrifying 38-37 win in the 2005 Rose Bowl to win the national championship.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
