As the University of Texas Longhorns gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on freshman running back CJ Baxter, who has been trending in the right direction throughout the offseason and is poised to make an immediate impact in the team’s backfield. After a standout high school career and an exciting first year on campus, Baxter is primed to be a key contributor to the Texas offense in the upcoming season.
Baxter, who arrived at Texas as one of the top running back prospects in the nation, has quickly adjusted to the college game, impressing coaches, teammates, and fans alike with his combination of power, speed, and vision. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, Baxter has the ideal size to break through tackles, but it’s his ability to make defenders miss in the open field and hit top speed quickly that sets him apart. His vision and patience in reading blocks also show maturity beyond his years, giving Texas fans a lot to look forward to.
During the spring practices, Baxter demonstrated his ability to handle a full workload, showing flashes of brilliance with explosive runs, smooth acceleration, and an instinct for finding the end zone. His natural talent has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in the program’s storied history, and many are hopeful that he can be the game-changer that the Longhorns need to take their offense to the next level.
“CJ has been everything we hoped for and more,” said head coach Steve Sarkisian during a recent press conference. “He has an incredible work ethic and the ability to learn quickly. But what really stands out is his mentality. He’s focused, competitive, and hungry to be the best. That’s the type of mindset we need in this program, especially at the running back position.”
One of the key factors in Baxter’s development has been his ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of college football. While many freshman running backs struggle with the transition, Baxter has impressed with his maturity and his ability to handle the pressure of being a top recruit. He has worked tirelessly in the weight room and on the practice field, building the strength and conditioning necessary to endure the grind of a full season.
Perhaps the most important part of Baxter’s progression has been his understanding of the offensive system under Sarkisian. The Longhorns’ offense has a reputation for being dynamic and balanced, and Baxter’s versatility has allowed him to fit seamlessly into the playbook. His skills as both a runner and a pass-catcher make him a dual threat who can contribute in a variety of ways. Whether it’s rushing between the tackles, bouncing to the outside, or catching passes out of the backfield, Baxter’s all-around skill set has been a welcome addition to the Longhorns’ offense.
As the season approaches, the question now is whether Baxter will be named the starting running back for the Longhorns. Given his rapid rise and the void left by previous stars, many insiders believe he has the inside track to take the top spot. His ability to perform in big moments and his consistent improvement have made him the clear frontrunner in what is expected to be a competitive battle for starting positions.
With the Longhorns entering a pivotal season as they prepare to compete in the SEC, having a dynamic, explosive player like Baxter in the backfield could prove to be a major difference-maker. Texas has had a history of elite running backs, and Baxter’s potential to add his name to that list is becoming increasingly apparent. His blend of talent, leadership, and hunger for success has him trending in the right direction, and Longhorns fans are eager to see what he can do when the season kicks off.
The future is certainly bright for CJ Baxter, and with each passing practice, he continues to solidify his role as one of the most exciting prospects on the Texas roster. As the Longhorns prepare for their upcoming season, expect to hear a lot more about the impact this freshman running back will have as he looks to make his mark on the program.
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