In a significant setback for the Texas Longhorns, sophomore running back CJ Baxter has sustained injuries to his lateral collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.
The injury, which occurred during practice, will require surgery and is expected to sideline Baxter for six to nine months, effectively ruling him out for the 2024 season.
Texas was anticipated to be a powerhouse this season, buoyed by returning talent from last year’s College Football Playoff team.
Baxter was slated to be the starting running back, making his injury a severe blow to the team’s aspirations.
Baxter’s performance last season was impressive, with 138 carries, 659 yards, and five touchdowns, marking him as a vital component of the Longhorns’ offense.
His absence will necessitate a “next man up” approach from the team.
This marks the second consecutive year Texas has faced critical injuries to its starting running back.
Last season, Jonathan Brooks suffered an injury late in the regular season, and quarterback Quinn Ewers also missed time due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Longhorns showcased resilience, winning every game to close out the regular season and securing a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth.
They were one play away from an appearance in the national title game.
With Baxter out, the Longhorns will likely turn to junior Jaydon Blue, who performed admirably as a backup last year.
Blue recorded 398 yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries, averaging over six yards per carry. His ability to replicate or exceed last season’s performance will be crucial for the Longhorns’ run game.
With respect to Baxter, his loss doesn’t change the expectations for the Longhorns. After all, they are still undoubtedly one of the top-four teams in the country and have a legitimate chance to win the national championship.
Having said that, the injury news did put a slight damper on an otherwise enormous day in Austin.
Texas received a massive boost with the commitment of Kaliq Lockett, the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class.
Lockett chose Texas over LSU, Alabama, and several other top programs. The commitment was announced in a special moment where Lockett called head coach Steve Sarkisian to reveal his decision.
Lockett’s addition is a testament to Texas’s strong recruiting pipeline, particularly at the wide receiver position, which has recently produced NFL talents like Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy.
Lockett, hailing from Sachse, Texas, is expected to be an immediate impact player, potentially even in his freshman year.
His arrival aligns with the anticipated transition to Arch Manning at quarterback in 2025, following Quinn Ewers’ upcoming season.
Texas consistently attracts top-tier recruits, and Lockett will need to earn his spot. However, his high recruiting ranking suggests he has the potential to make a significant immediate impact.
But enough about the future – the Longhorns have a season to play, and they hope it will be a glorious and historic one.
What are your thoughts on Texas’ chances this season? … Will they win the national title???