Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter (4) runs in for a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Two Texas Longhorns Running Backs Earn Spots in Prestigious Top College Football Running Backs Rankings Ahead of 2025 Season
The Texas Longhorns have long been a breeding ground for elite running back talent, from legends like Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson to recent standouts like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. That tradition looks primed to continue into the 2025 season, as not one, but two of the program’s current running backs were honored in the latest rankings of the top college football running backs in the country.
In the most recent release by a prominent national outlet, which compiled and evaluated the top running backs returning for the upcoming college football season, both CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue were featured—an impressive feat and a testament to the depth and talent Texas has at the position. The rare dual recognition speaks volumes about the expectations surrounding the Longhorns’ backfield and signals that head coach Steve Sarkisian will once again have the luxury of deploying a dynamic ground game that can dominate defenses across the Big 12 and beyond.
CJ Baxter, the former five-star recruit from Orlando, Florida, emerged as a workhorse for the Longhorns last season following the departure of Jonathon Brooks to the NFL. In what was essentially his first full season handling a lead-back role, Baxter showcased the kind of powerful, patient, and versatile running style that drew lofty comparisons to NFL-caliber backs even before he arrived in Austin. Standing at 6-foot-1 and hovering around 215 pounds, Baxter has the frame to wear down opposing front sevens while still possessing enough burst and vision to break off big gains. His ability to read blocking schemes, pick up yards after contact, and contribute in the passing game makes him an all-purpose threat—one that coaches and scouts alike view as a potential top-tier talent for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Baxter’s breakout moment came during Texas’ late-season run in 2024, when he consistently delivered in crucial situations. Whether it was converting third downs, grinding out tough yards to secure leads, or scoring in the red zone, Baxter became the reliable engine Sarkisian’s offense needed. He finished the season with 1,138 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 211 carries, averaging a strong 5.4 yards per attempt. His performance was particularly notable in marquee games, including the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff, where he proved capable of rising to the occasion under pressure.
Then there’s Jaydon Blue, the Houston native who has steadily carved out a vital role as Texas’ lightning to Baxter’s thunder. Blue, a former highly-rated prospect in his own right, offers a different skill set—explosiveness, agility, and top-end speed that can change the complexion of a game in a single snap. While his touches were more limited last season, largely due to the emergence of Baxter and a crowded backfield, Blue made the most of every opportunity, turning heads with highlight-reel plays and a knack for finding daylight where others couldn’t.
What makes Blue’s inclusion in the top running back rankings even more impressive is that he didn’t need a massive workload to garner national attention. In 2024, he rushed for 723 yards and six touchdowns on just 112 carries, averaging an outstanding 6.5 yards per carry. That kind of efficiency reflects both his elite vision and his ability to make defenders miss in space. Whether used as a change-of-pace back, a slot option, or even lined up in motion to confuse defenses, Blue represents a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators and a key component of Sarkisian’s multi-faceted offense.
The presence of both Baxter and Blue in the top rankings also underscores a growing trend in modern college football: the rise of the two-back system. Gone are the days when a single bell-cow back handled 30-plus carries per game for an entire season. Today’s offenses thrive on unpredictability, versatility, and fresh legs—and few programs are better positioned in that regard than Texas. By having two legitimate stars in the backfield, the Longhorns can rotate seamlessly, preserve player health, and keep pressure on defenses for four quarters.
This depth at running back is particularly significant given the changes Texas is navigating heading into the 2025 campaign. With Quinn Ewers now off to the NFL and Arch Manning taking over as the new face of the program, having a stable and productive running game will be critical to easing that transition. Manning, while undeniably talented and highly touted, will benefit greatly from having a balanced offense—one that doesn’t put the entire burden on his shoulders right away.
That’s where Baxter and Blue come in. Their presence not only provides Manning with reliable outlets and playmakers but also forces opposing defenses to respect the run, opening up play-action and RPO opportunities. In short, the dual-headed running attack could be the key to Texas staying in the College Football Playoff conversation and making another serious push for a national title.
And beyond just the X’s and O’s, there’s a psychological component at play. When a program can point to multiple players at the same position being nationally recognized, it bolsters recruiting, builds internal competition, and strengthens the team’s culture. Prospective running backs looking at Texas now see a program that not only develops talent but showcases it at the highest level, regardless of who’s atop the depth chart.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Texas has had two elite running backs on the roster simultaneously. The 2021 and 2022 seasons, when Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson formed one of the most respected backfield tandems in the country, laid the groundwork for what we’re seeing now. But what makes the current duo particularly intriguing is how complementary their styles are. Baxter’s bruising, methodical approach is the perfect counterbalance to Blue’s sudden, electric acceleration. Together, they force defenses to prepare for multiple dimensions—pounding inside runs, explosive edge sweeps, misdirection plays, screens, and even routes out of the slot.
National media outlets and draft analysts are starting to take notice as well. Several draft boards already project Baxter as a potential Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Blue has been highlighted as one of the top breakout candidates if he gets more touches in 2025. Their inclusion in preseason watchlists for awards such as the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards further cements their status as elite talents entering the new season.
Behind the scenes, the Texas coaching staff has made it clear that both players will be heavily involved in the offense—and perhaps more innovatively than ever. There’s talk of more dual-back sets, motion-heavy formations, and even packages designed to get both Baxter and Blue on the field at the same time. That kind of creativity is a hallmark of Sarkisian’s offensive mind and could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Longhorns’ offensive arsenal.
And don’t overlook the intangible qualities they bring. Both Baxter and Blue are known for their work ethic, team-first mentality, and quiet leadership. They’re not flashy off the field, and they don’t clamor for attention. Instead, they let their play do the talking—a trait that resonates with teammates and fans alike. In a sport increasingly dominated by headlines and hype, there’s something refreshing about players who simply show up, do the work, and deliver on game day.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Austin. With a new quarterback under center, a stacked wide receiver room, and one of the best offensive lines in the conference, Texas is once again loaded on offense. But it’s the backfield tandem of CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue that could ultimately define the season. Their rare blend of talent, production, and versatility makes them not just two of the top running backs in college football—but perhaps the most dangerous duo in the sport.
In a time when running back value is often debated and devalued at the next level, Baxter and Blue are proving that elite play at the position still matters. Their recognition in the national rankings isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s a warning shot to every defense Texas will face this fall. The Longhorns aren’t just back—they’re coming downhill with two of the best running backs in America. And they’re not slowing down for anyone.
