After reaching the College Football Playoff in 2023, the Texas Longhorns are expected to be one of the best teams in college football this season. The preseason polls that were released this week had the Longhorns checking in at number four in the country, behind Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon. Their national title hopes may have just taken a huge hit though with today’s news. It is being reported that the star sophomore running back, CJ Baxter, will miss the entire 2024 season with an injured right knee.
Baxter was expected to be the lead running back in a very talented backfield for the Texas Longhorns, however, that distinction will now likely fall to junior Jaydon Blue. Incoming freshman Jerrick Gibson will also provide competition for playing time along with sophomore Tre Wisner.
Texas Loses Star Running Back
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CJ Baxter injured his right knee during preseason practice on Tuesday. MRI results confirmed he suffered injuries to his LCL and PCL and will require surgery, ending his 2024 season before it began. Baxter began the 2023 season as the Texas starting running back before Jonathon Brooks eventually beat him out for the lead role. He did, however, finish the season with 659 yards and five touchdowns. Much of the production came after Brooks was injured late in the season.
He was expected to be the starting running back for the Longhorns in 2024, who are entering their first season in the SEC after leaving the Big XII. Baxter is still expected to be one of the top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he will need to now focus on rehabbing his injury and then look forward to the 2025 season.
What Do the Longhorns Do Now?
Texas was expected to be a contender for the national championship in 2024, but the injury to CJ Baxter is a huge blow. In the Big XII, the loss to Baxter would have been worrisome. However, with the move into the SEC, Baxter’s injury becomes nearly catastrophic. It’s hard enough to compete in the SEC with a full, healthy roster. Now, Texas must figure out how to replace an integral part of their roster.
With Baxter out, Texas will likely look to Jaydon Blue to carry more of the burden. Blue, a former four star recruit in the class of 2022, chose to sit out during his senior season before enrolling at Texas. In 2022, he saw limited time, as he sat behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. In 2023, Blue saw more action, particularly after Jonathon Brooks was injured late in the season. Tre Wisner and incoming freshman Jerrick Gibson will also now see increased roles for the Longhorns in 2024.
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