Austin, Texas, December 9, 2025
The Texas Longhorns football team is undergoing significant roster changes with running back C.J. Baxter and quarterback Trey Owens declaring their intent to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Baxter, a promising talent, had a tumultuous career marred by injuries, while Owens will also leave a gap in the quarterback position. Their departures are anticipated to impact the team’s offensive strategies and create opportunities for incoming players as Texas prepares for the future and bolsters its roster.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Longhorns football team is facing significant roster changes as two key offensive players, running back C.J. Baxter and quarterback Trey Owens, have announced their intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Player Departures
C.J. Baxter, a redshirt sophomore running back, has decided to enter the transfer portal. Baxter joined the Longhorns 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 at Texas, 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 40 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards in the loss against Ohio State. He ended the season with 196 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in eight games.
Trey Owens, a redshirt freshman quarterback, has also announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. Owens joined the Longhorns as a highly regarded recruit, achieving a five-star consensus ranking from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. He was similarly ranked as the No. 1 player at his position by both On3 and the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the Class of 2023. Owens mirrored Baxter’s situation with injuries, missing the entire 2024 season. In 2025, Owens managed to log 40 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards in the loss against Ohio State and ended the season with 196 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in eight games.
Team Impact
The departures of Baxter and Owens are significant for the Longhorns’ offense. Baxter, as a former five-star recruit, was expected to be a key contributor in the running back position. His decision to transfer may lead to increased opportunities for other running backs on the roster, promoting internal competition and potentially unearthing new talent. Likewise, Owens’ departure opens up the quarterback position, allowing for other quarterbacks to compete for the starting role, a pivotal position in any college football program.
Background Context
The NCAA Transfer Portal has become a common avenue for college athletes seeking new opportunities. Players can enter the portal to explore potential transfers to other programs and find fits that may better suit their aspirations. This modern tool has seen increased activity in recent years, with athletes transferring for various reasons, including playing time limitations, coaching changes, and personal circumstances. The emergence of the transfer portal allows teams to remain competitive through revamped rosters and shifting strategies in recruiting.
Looking Ahead
The Longhorns will need to assess their roster and take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of Baxter and Owens’ departures. Recruiting efforts may intensify as the coaching staff seeks to bring in new talent to bolster the team’s performance. Current players are likely to be called upon to step up and fill the voids left by these departures. Encouragingly, universities are now more adept at integrating fresh recruits into their systems effectively, which can lead to a dynamic and adaptive team culture.
FAQ
Who is C.J. Baxter?
C.J. Baxter is a redshirt sophomore running back for the Texas Longhorns football team. He joined the team as a highly regarded recruit, achieving a five-star consensus ranking from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida. During his tenure at Texas, 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 40 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards in the loss against Ohio State. He ended the season with 196 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in eight games.
What is the NCAA Transfer Portal?
The NCAA Transfer Portal is a database that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution. It provides a platform for athletes to explore potential transfers and for coaches to identify players who may be a good fit for their programs. The portal has become a common avenue for college athletes seeking new opportunities, with players transferring for various reasons, including playing time, coaching changes, and personal circumstances.
How will the departures of Baxter and Owens affect the Texas Longhorns football team?
The departures of Baxter and Owens are significant for the Longhorns’ offense. Baxter, as a former five-star recruit, was expected to be a key contributor in the running back position. His decision to transfer may lead to increased opportunities for other running backs on the roster. Owens’ departure opens up the quarterback position, potentially allowing for other quarterbacks to compete for the starting role. The team will need to assess their roster and make adjustments to fill the voids left by these players.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Departures | C.J. Baxter and Trey Owens have announced their intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. |
| Player Background | C.J. Baxter is a redshirt sophomore running back; Trey Owens is a redshirt freshman quarterback. |
| Team Impact | The departures may lead to increased opportunities for other players in the running back and quarterback positions. |
| NCAA Transfer Portal | A platform that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution. |
| Looking Ahead | The Longhorns will need to assess their roster and make adjustments to fill the voids left by Baxter and Owens. |
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