Texas Takes a Hit, Then a Lift: Star Running Back C.J. Baxter’s Jaw-Dropping ACL-LCL Comeback After Season-Ending Injury Reshapes Longhorns’ Offensive Depth Chart and Sparks Optimism in Austin’s Title Push

“Texas Takes a Hit, Then a Lift: Star Running Back C.J. Baxter’s Jaw-Dropping ACL-LCL Comeback After Season-Ending Injury Reshapes Longhorns’ Offensive Depth Chart and Sparks Optimism in Austin’s Title Push”

 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Texas Longhorns football team received news this week that tilted emotions from rallying to relieved: star running back C.J. Baxter has been officially cleared and returned to practice after suffering a severe knee injury last summer, an update that dramatically reshapes the trajectory of their offense and depth chart for the upcoming season.

 

 

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🩺 From Catastrophe to Comeback: Baxter Returns

 

Baxter’s return marks one of the most encouraging injury recoveries in recent college football memory. The former five-star recruit tore both his ACL and LCL during a harrowing training camp crash in August 2024, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 season just after being named the presumptive lead back .

 

Now, more than 10 months later, the junior tailback is back in full-team drills, signaling that he has regained crucial strength, stability, and confidence . As Inside Texas put it, “it’s Christmas in June,” with Longhorns fans buzzing over the positive update .

 

 

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⚠️ Depth Chart Ramifications: A Running Back Revival

 

2023 Breakout Season: Baxter, as a true freshman, rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns, earning honorable mention in the Big 12 .

 

2024 Backup Damage: In his absence, Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue led the ground attack—combining for nearly 1,800 rushing yards and 13 scores .

 

Depth Overhaul: With Blue and lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. entering the NFL draft and Christian Clark sidelined for 2024, Baxter’s return fills a critical void that had left Texas’ offense unbalanced .

 

 

Coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed a cautious but optimistic stance, emphasizing no rushing in reintegration while acknowledging Baxter’s “no setbacks” rehab plenty .

 

 

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🔭 What His Return Means for the Longhorn Offense

 

Arch Manning’s Backfield Support: A healthy Baxter gives Manning a reliable run-game complement, essential for balance and second-level stress on defenses.

 

Scheme Revitalization: Experts predict Texas will lean more on its traditional outside zone run game, which won them an SEC playoff spot with a 292-yard rushing performance in a playoff win .

 

Camp Competition: Baxter, along with Wisner, Jerrick Gibson, and others, are entering a revitalized RB room with actual depth and NFL-caliber talent .

 

 

 

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🏈 What Comes Next: Key Dates to Monitor

 

Summer Practices: Close monitoring of Baxter’s volume in drills, contingency against overuse.

 

Fall Camp: Expect strategic rotation and XP, with game reps guiding his workload.

 

Season Opener at Ohio State (Aug 30): Watch whether Baxter eases into that start or returns later depending on performance.

 

Depth Chart Announcement: Sarkisian’s decision on Johnson carries weight in how early Baxter will factor into the offense.

 

 

 

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🔍 Final Login: A Critical Component Returns

 

C.J. Baxter’s comeback isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a depth-building cornerstone for Texas as they gear up for life in the SEC. His restored presence brings balance, talent, and reassurance to a unit that needs it most. Texas may have weathered 2024’s storm, but with Baxter back in the fold, 2025 promises renewed rhythm, rejuvenation, and renewed title aspirations.

 

Longhorn Nation can exhale. The star is back.

 

 

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