Running back CJ Baxter and quarterback Trey Owens intend to enter the portal when it opens Jan. 2, both players confirmed via Instagram.
Baxter, a redshirt sophomore, rushed 54 times for 196 yards this season after returning from a knee injury that cost him the entirety of the 2024 campaign. He appeared in just eight games this year while fighting a hamstring injury suffered early in the season. When he returned, he was firmly behind Quintrevion Wisner on the depth chart.
A former five-star prospect, Baxter showcased explosive potential before his injury. He carried the ball 138 times for 659 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman in 2023. He’s the second defection of the season from Texas’ running back room; Jerrick Gibson made the decision to transfer midway through the regular season.
Owens committed to Texas as a four-star prospect in 2024 but never moved above third on the depth chart. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.