Texas RB CJ Baxter Injured First Play UTEP Game

Texas running back CJ Baxter was injured on the first play of the game against UTEP, carrying the ball for six yards before limping off and heading to the locker room. Baxter, the Longhorns' leading rusher with 104 yards on 24 carries this season, is not expected to return to the game, compounding concerns as fellow running back Quintrevion Wisner is also out due to injury. Baxter has been plagued by injuries throughout his college career, including a severe knee injury last season that required surgery and caused him to miss the entire 2024 campaign. Following Baxter's exit, Christian Clark and Jerrick Gibson received carries to fill the void in the running game. Texas had entered the game needing to prove its ability to produce consistently on the ground, but these injuries have further challenged the team's depth. Fans and analysts alike expressed devastation over Baxter's setback, given his importance to the team's offense and ongoing struggles with health.