CJ Baxter Delivers an Early Summer Gift to the Texas Longhorns, Making the Entire Program Feel Like Christmas in June

CJ Baxter didn’t need snow or sleigh bells to bring holiday cheer to the Forty Acres. In a June filled with recruiting updates, offseason speculation, and summer workouts, Baxter made his presence felt in a way that had Texas fans grinning from ear to ear. The sophomore running back is already giving the Longhorns something to celebrate months ahead of the season kickoff—and to many around the program, it truly feels like Christmas came early.

When the Longhorns landed CJ Baxter as part of their 2023 recruiting class, expectations were sky-high. The former five-star prospect out of Orlando’s Edgewater High School was widely considered one of the top running backs in the country. At 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, he had the rare combination of size, burst, vision, and physicality that made him a can’t-miss player. Still, making the jump from high school stardom to Power Five productivity is never guaranteed. Some players need time to find their footing.

Not CJ Baxter.

His freshman season in Austin showed flashes of brilliance, but it’s the strides he’s made this offseason that have coaches raving. With Jonathan Brooks headed to the NFL, the backfield torch has officially passed to Baxter—and if early signs are any indication, he’s more than ready to carry it.

According to team insiders, Baxter has been the star of summer workouts. His speed has improved, his body looks NFL-ready, and most importantly, his confidence has skyrocketed. Strength coach Torre Becton noted Baxter’s consistency and leadership as two standout traits during June’s player-led sessions. It’s no longer about potential—Baxter is becoming the heartbeat of the offense.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who returned for another season to chase a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth, has noticed too. Ewers recently referred to Baxter as “a quiet killer,” the type of back who doesn’t need to say much but makes defenders feel it every time he touches the ball. “He makes life easier for all of us,” Ewers added. “If you miss a block, he’ll break the tackle. If you give him a crease, he’s gone. That’s rare.”

The coaching staff sees it too. Running backs coach Tashard Choice, himself a former NFL player, has taken a hands-on approach in shaping Baxter into a complete back. “We always knew CJ had the tools,” Choice said. “Now he’s learning how to be a pro, how to prepare every day, how to be great. And man, it’s coming together. I’m excited for the world to see what I’ve been seeing.”

In an era of constant movement and uncertainty with the transfer portal and NIL deals influencing player decisions, Baxter’s steady presence has brought a sense of comfort and stability to the Texas locker room. He hasn’t flirted with leaving. He hasn’t chased headlines. He’s just worked. And that, more than anything, might be the biggest gift of all.

“Guys like CJ make coaching fun,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He wants to be the best, and he’s willing to do what it takes to get there. As a coach, you dream of players like that.”

On the field, Texas fans should expect to see a different version of Baxter in 2025. The staff has plans to feature him more heavily in the passing game, lining him up in the slot and creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His improved hands and route-running have made him a weapon beyond traditional handoffs. Sarkisian, known for his offensive creativity, is licking his chops.

The return of key offensive linemen also bodes well for Baxter’s breakout. Kelvin Banks Jr. leads a group that returns multiple starters, giving Baxter both protection and push in the run game. The synergy between the offensive line and Baxter is only growing stronger, and with the team pushing toward a final Big 12 campaign before heading to the SEC, the timing couldn’t be better.

In a conference known for offensive fireworks, the Longhorns are building something that feels sustainable. That starts with Baxter. His emergence allows Sarkisian to control the pace of games, keep defenses honest, and set the tone physically. If Texas is going to make a serious playoff run this year, CJ Baxter will be the engine behind it.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s a human element to Baxter that endears him to fans and teammates alike. His humility stands out. Despite being a high-profile recruit and now a focal point of the team’s offense, Baxter remains grounded. He participates in team charity events, is active in community outreach, and has embraced the Austin culture. His social media presence is minimal, his focus is internal, and his leadership is growing.

“He’s a kid you want your younger guys to watch and follow,” said veteran linebacker Jaylan Ford. “Because he’s about the work, not the hype.”

That work is already paying off in a big way. During the first scrimmage of the summer, multiple reports say Baxter ripped off a pair of touchdown runs—one of which went over 60 yards. He made defenders miss in tight space and powered through tackles like a veteran. Coaches had to remind themselves that this is still just his second year in the program.

It’s that kind of buzz that has fans dreaming big. Longhorn message boards and podcasts are already filled with speculation about Baxter being a Doak Walker Award contender or potential early Heisman dark horse. While those discussions are premature, the underlying point remains—Baxter is ready to be a superstar.

Even former Longhorn greats have taken notice. Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman winner and arguably the greatest running back in school history, recently mentioned Baxter in a radio interview. “He runs with purpose,” Williams said. “That’s what separates the good ones from the great ones. And CJ’s got it.”

There’s a long way to go before fall camp, but the early signs are undeniable. Baxter is stronger, sharper, and hungrier. And in a sport where seasons are often won or lost by the tone set in the summer, he’s giving the Longhorns exactly what they need—a sense of urgency and a belief that something special is building in Austin.

So, while most people think of December when they hear the word “Christmas,” those inside the Texas football facility might beg to differ. For them, June has brought the excitement, the joy, and the promise of something magical. All wrapped up in burnt orange and white. All because of CJ Baxter.

In a world where so much is uncertain, the Texas Longhorns know exactly what they have in their backfield—a rising star with the power to change games, seasons, and narratives. And that’s worth celebrating.

Yes, Christmas has come early in Austin. And his name is CJ Baxter.