Austin, Texas, December 9, 2025
The Texas Longhorns football team is undergoing significant changes as three prominent players, running back C.J. Baxter, quarterback Trey Owens, and defensive lineman Melvin Hills, have decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Baxter, a former five-star recruit, is seeking new opportunities after injuries, while Owens and Hills aim for increased playtime elsewhere. The impending roster adjustments come as the Longhorns prepare for their bowl game against Michigan, highlighting the ongoing challenges in college athletics regarding player retention.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Longhorns football team is facing significant roster changes as three key offensive players have announced their intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Running back C.J. Baxter, quarterback Trey Owens, and defensive lineman Melvin Hills are all set to depart the program.
Player Departures
C.J. Baxter
C.J. Baxter, a redshirt sophomore running back, has decided to enter the transfer portal. Baxter joined Texas as a highly regarded recruit, achieving a five-star consensus ranking from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. He was also ranked as the No. 1 player at his position by both On3 and the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the Class of 2023. During his tenure with the Longhorns, Baxter accumulated 855 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 197 yards and a score. His decision to transfer comes after a season where he faced injuries, including a knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 campaign. In 2025, Baxter returned for his redshirt sophomore season, logging 196 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in eight games.
Trey Owens
Trey Owens, a redshirt freshman quarterback, has also announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Owens joined Texas as a three-star recruit and served as a backup quarterback during his time with the team. With limited playing time, Owens is seeking an opportunity to play a more significant role elsewhere.
Melvin Hills
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Melvin Hills has become the third Longhorn to enter the transfer portal. Hills, a three-star recruit from Lafayette, Louisiana, redshirted his first year and played in four games this past season. He expressed gratitude to the Longhorns but emphasized the need to make the best decision for his future.
Implications for the Team
These departures highlight the challenges teams face in retaining talent, especially following a season where the Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff. The transfer portal officially opens on January 2, 2026, and players will have until January 16 to make their decisions on a destination. Texas is set to face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, Florida. The team will need to adjust its roster and strategies to account for these changes as they prepare for the upcoming bowl game.
Background Context
The NCAA Transfer Portal allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer, providing them with the opportunity to explore options at other institutions. This system has become a significant aspect of college athletics, offering players more control over their collegiate careers. The opening of the transfer portal often leads to a flurry of activity, with players seeking new opportunities and programs adjusting their rosters accordingly.
FAQ
Who are the Texas Longhorns players entering the transfer portal?
The Texas Longhorns football team is facing significant roster changes as three key offensive players have announced their intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Running back C.J. Baxter, quarterback Trey Owens, and defensive lineman Melvin Hills are all set to depart the program.
What are the reasons for these players entering the transfer portal?
C.J. Baxter faced injuries, including a knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 campaign. In 2025, he returned for his redshirt sophomore season, logging 196 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in eight games. Trey Owens, a redshirt freshman quarterback, served as a backup quarterback during his time with the team and is seeking an opportunity to play a more significant role elsewhere. Melvin Hills, a redshirt freshman defensive lineman, redshirted his first year and played in four games this past season, expressing gratitude to the Longhorns but emphasizing the need to make the best decision for his future.
What are the implications of these departures for the Texas Longhorns football team?
These departures highlight the challenges teams face in retaining talent, especially following a season where the Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff. The transfer portal officially opens on January 2, 2026, and players will have until January 16 to make their decisions on a destination. Texas is set to face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, Florida. The team will need to adjust its roster and strategies to account for these changes as they prepare for the upcoming bowl game.
What is the NCAA Transfer Portal?
The NCAA Transfer Portal allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer, providing them with the opportunity to explore options at other institutions. This system has become a significant aspect of college athletics, offering players more control over their collegiate careers. The opening of the transfer portal often leads to a flurry of activity, with players seeking new opportunities and programs adjusting their rosters accordingly.
Key Features
| Player | Position | Year | Reason for Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.J. Baxter | Running Back | Redshirt Sophomore | Injuries and seeking new opportunities |
| Trey Owens | Quarterback | Redshirt Freshman | Limited playing time, seeking more significant role |
| Melvin Hills | Defensive Lineman | Redshirt Freshman | Seeking best decision for future |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Longhorns Players C.J. Baxter and Trey Owens to Transfer
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Longhorns Prepare for Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Against Michigan
Texas Longhorns Set to Face Michigan Wolverines in Citrus Bowl
Texas Longhorns Set for Citrus Bowl Showdown with Michigan
Texas Longhorns to Face Michigan Wolverines in Citrus Bowl
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