Texas Running Back Issues: CJ Baxter's 2025 Injury-Plagued Season

The Journey of an Elite Talent

When CJ Baxter arrived at Texas as the nation's No. 1-ranked running back in the 2023 recruiting class, expectations were sky-high. The five-star recruit from Orlando Edgewater (Florida) was ranked as a top-30 prospect nationally and carried the pedigree of elite production. Now, after a remarkable freshman season, a devastating injury, and a determined comeback, Baxter represents one of the most compelling stories in college football.

Elite Recruiting Pedigree

CJ Baxter Jr. was the crown jewel of Texas's 2023 recruiting class at the running back position. As a five-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in the nation, Baxter was the type of prospect programs dream about. His combination of size (6'0", 220 pounds), speed, and vision made him an immediate-impact player.

The recruiting rankings reflected his elite status – ranked No. 58 overall in the 2023 class, Baxter chose Texas over offers from virtually every major program in the country. His decision to join Steve Sarkisian's offense signaled his confidence in the Longhorns' ability to develop and showcase NFL-caliber running backs.

2023 Freshman Season: Immediate Impact

Historic Start

Baxter made Texas history before his first game even kicked off. He became the first true freshman running back to start the season opener for the Longhorns since Ricky Williams in 1995. That comparison alone spoke volumes about the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities.

Early Season Success and Setback

The freshman's start to his college career was impressive, but it hit a speed bump when he suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for two games early in the season. During his absence, Jonathon Brooks seized the starting role and ran with it – literally. Brooks's emergence created a dynamic one-two punch when Baxter returned to health.

Taking Over After Brooks's Injury

When Brooks suffered a season-ending torn ACL later in the season, Baxter was thrust back into the spotlight as the featured back. He responded with maturity and production that belied his freshman status.

Season Statistics:

• 12 games played, 6 starts
• 138 carries for 659 yards (4.8 yards per carry)
• 5 rushing touchdowns
• 24 receptions for 156 yards (versatility in the passing game)

Memorable Performances

Iowa State Breakthrough: Baxter posted his first career 100-yard rushing game with 20 carries for 117 yards, announcing his arrival as a premier back.

Kansas State Explosion: 10 carries, 90 yards, and a touchdown, including a highlight-reel 54-yard run that showcased his breakaway speed.

College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl: In Texas's CFP semifinal against Washington, Baxter rushed 9 times for 64 yards and a touchdown while adding 2 receptions for 39 yards, including a career-long 31-yard catch. His performance on the biggest stage demonstrated his ability to rise to the moment.

Freshman Accolades

Despite missing games and sharing carries, Baxter's freshman season earned significant recognition:

• Honorable Mention All-Big 12 at running back
• Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
• Second-team Freshman All-American (The Athletic)

2024: The Lost Season

Devastating Injury

The 2024 season was supposed to be Baxter's breakout year. With Jonathon Brooks departing for the NFL, Baxter was positioned as Texas's featured back for their inaugural SEC season. Those plans came crashing down during August fall camp when Baxter suffered a catastrophic knee injury.

The diagnosis was brutal: torn LCL and PCL (some reports also indicated ACL damage) in his right knee. The injury required surgery and ended his 2024 season before it began. For a running back whose game relies on cutting ability, explosion, and contact balance, the injury raised serious questions about his future.

Leadership Through Adversity

Rather than disappearing during his rehabilitation, Baxter remained engaged with the team. Teammates and coaches noted his presence on the sidelines, coaching up younger running backs despite his own frustration and pain. His leadership during adversity revealed character that can't be coached.

"The injury was brutal, both physically and mentally," Baxter later admitted. "But I tried to stay positive and help my teammates however I could. I learned a lot about myself during that time."

2025: The Comeback Season

Medical Clearance and Return

Baxter received the news every injured athlete dreams of hearing – he was medically cleared for full football activities ahead of the 2025 season. The extensive rehabilitation work paid off, and Baxter returned to practice participating in team drills at full speed.

Preseason Recognition

The college football world took notice of Baxter's return. He was named to three prestigious preseason watch lists:

• Doak Walker Award (nation's best running back)
• Comeback Player of the Year Award
• Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award

His inclusion on these lists reflected both his pre-injury potential and respect for his determination to return.

Early Season Setback

Baxter's 2025 debut against UTEP brought both excitement and concern. He carried the ball on the game's first play but limped off the field and did not return. The injury appeared to be a hamstring issue – concerning but not catastrophic like the knee injury. His status for subsequent games remained day-to-day.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 season represents a critical juncture in Baxter's career. Can he return to his pre-injury form? Will his cutting ability and explosion remain intact after the major knee surgery? These questions will be answered week by week as he works his way back to being the elite talent who arrived in Austin.

Playing Style and Strengths

Physical Profile

At 6'0", 220 pounds, Baxter possesses the ideal size for a modern SEC running back. He's big enough to handle between-the-tackles carries and physical enough to break tackles, but athletic enough to make defenders miss in space.

Power and Contact Balance

Baxter excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His combination of pad level, leg drive, and contact balance makes him a reliable option when Texas needs tough yards. He doesn't go down on first contact, frequently dragging defenders for extra yardage.

Breakaway Speed

Despite his size, Baxter has shown legitimate home-run ability. His 54-yard touchdown run against Kansas State and numerous other explosive plays demonstrate that he's a threat to score from anywhere on the field. This combination of power and speed makes him difficult to defend.

Receiving Ability

Baxter's 24 receptions as a freshman showcased his versatility. In modern college football, running backs must be threats in the passing game. Baxter has proven he can run routes, catch passes in traffic, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. This allows Texas to keep him on the field in obvious passing situations.

Vision and Patience

One of Baxter's most underrated traits is his vision. He demonstrates patience allowing blocks to develop, then hits holes decisively. His ability to read defensive leverage and find running lanes is advanced for his experience level.

NFL Draft Prospects

Pre-Injury Trajectory

Before the knee injury, Baxter was tracking toward being a day-two NFL Draft pick, potentially as early as the second round. His combination of size, speed, production, and receiving ability checked all the boxes NFL teams look for in modern running backs.

Injury Impact on Draft Stock

The 2024 knee injury cannot be ignored when projecting Baxter's NFL future. Knee injuries to running backs – particularly those affecting cutting ability – raise red flags for NFL evaluators. The 2025 season becomes critical for demonstrating that his pre-injury speed and explosion remain intact.

Current Projection

Baxter carries an 83.0 rating and ranks No. 7 among running back prospects according to some evaluators. Pro Football Focus recently included him on their list of ten "wildcards" who could rise up NFL draft boards with strong 2025 seasons.

Best-case scenario: A productive, healthy 2025 season could elevate Baxter into day-two consideration (2nd-3rd round), where his combination of talent and production make him an attractive option.

Realistic projection: Most likely lands in the 3rd-5th round range, with teams factoring in both his talent and injury history.

Worst-case scenario: Further injuries or diminished athleticism could push him toward middle rounds (5th-7th), where teams view him as a developmental project with special teams value.

Comparison to Texas Running Back Legacy

Following Legendary Footsteps

Texas has produced NFL running back talent for decades: Ricky Williams (Heisman Trophy winner), Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, D'Onta Foreman, and more recently Jonathon Brooks. Baxter has the talent to join this lineage if he can stay healthy and produce at a high level.

His physical style most closely resembles Cedric Benson's power running with some of Jamaal Charles's explosiveness mixed in. If he can put together a full healthy season, comparisons to Texas's best will become more frequent.

Impact on Texas's SEC Success

Feature Back for Championship Aspirations

Texas's 2025 championship aspirations rest partially on Baxter's shoulders. While quarterback Arch Manning commands headlines, establishing a consistent running game is critical for Texas to compete in the physical SEC. Baxter, when healthy, gives the Longhorns a legitimate three-down back who can carry a full workload.

Opening Up the Offense

A productive Baxter makes everything else in Texas's offense easier. His ability to move the chains on first and second down keeps the offense ahead of schedule. His receiving skills create matchup problems when linebackers have to cover him in space. And his red zone reliability ensures Texas capitalizes on scoring opportunities.

Leadership and Culture

Beyond statistics, Baxter's journey through injury and comeback provides leadership and inspiration for teammates. His determination to return from a devastating injury demonstrates the mental toughness and competitive spirit that championship teams require.

The 2025 Season: Make or Break

What Success Looks Like

For Baxter's 2025 season to be considered successful, he needs to:

• Stay healthy for the full season
• Rush for 800+ yards (accounting for sharing carries)
• Maintain his explosive play ability (multiple runs of 40+ yards)
• Continue contributing in the passing game (20+ receptions)
• Perform in big games against elite SEC defenses

Questions to Be Answered

Durability: Can Baxter stay healthy for a full SEC season after the major knee surgery?

Explosion: Has the knee injury affected his cutting ability and breakaway speed?

Workload Management: Will Texas limit his carries to protect him long-term, or feature him as the workhorse back?

NFL Timeline: Will a strong 2025 season convince him to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, or will he return for another college season?

Conclusion: A Story Still Being Written

CJ Baxter's career at Texas reads like a Hollywood script – elite recruit, immediate success, devastating setback, and now a comeback attempt. The ending remains unwritten.

If Baxter can return to his pre-injury form, he has All-SEC potential and could cement his status as one of Texas's great running backs. His combination of size, speed, power, and receiving ability makes him a complete back when healthy.

The 2025 season will answer the biggest question: Is CJ Baxter the elite running back who arrived in Austin as the nation's No. 1 recruit, or has the knee injury permanently altered his trajectory? The college football world is watching, and Baxter is determined to provide the answer on the field.

One thing is certain – regardless of what happens, Baxter's perseverance through injury and his determination to return demonstrate the character and competitiveness that define great players. Whether his story ends with All-American honors and an early NFL Draft selection or requires another year of development, CJ Baxter's journey will inspire future Longhorns facing their own adversity.

The comeback is underway. Now comes the hard part – sustaining it through a grueling SEC season and reclaiming his place among college football's elite running backs.