Texas Longhorns Sleeper Watch: Why Christian Clark Might Be the Best Running Back Nobody’s Talking About in 2025

Every college football season, there’s always that one player—the quiet storm who flips the narrative and emerges as a star before anyone outside the locker room even saw it coming. For the Texas Longhorns, that player might just be true sophomore Christian Clark.

While the focus in Austin has largely been on the big names—quarterback Arch Manning, returning wide receiver Isaiah Bond, or even the offensive line bolstered by Kelvin Banks Jr.—there’s a different kind of buzz starting to build around Clark, a running back who didn’t start last season but has insiders raising their eyebrows heading into 2025.

“Christian Clark. He might be the best running back on the team,” said Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods, sending a shockwave through the Texas fanbase. That’s a bold claim considering the program’s rich backfield talent pool, including Cedric Baxter Jr., Jaydon Blue, and Tre Wisner. But it may not be far from the truth.

Let’s rewind. Clark arrived in Austin as a four-star recruit out of Arizona, a late riser in the 2024 class who didn’t get the same national hype as Baxter or Blue did in previous years. But what he lacked in early headlines, he made up for with a fierce work ethic, deceptive burst, and elite vision that reminded some coaches of former Texas greats like Jamaal Charles and Roschon Johnson.

Clark didn’t get many carries in 2024. As a freshman behind seasoned runners, his role was limited to mop-up duty and a few snaps on special teams. Still, in those brief appearances, he averaged nearly 6 yards per carry, showed soft hands in the passing game, and delivered critical pass blocks that didn’t go unnoticed by running backs coach Tashard Choice.

By spring camp 2025, the whispers became louder. Clark was routinely breaking off chunk runs, showing better instincts than some of his more experienced teammates, and proving he could be a three-down back. Coaches noticed. Teammates noticed. And slowly, the media began to take note.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, never one to overhype young players, gave a subtle but telling nod when asked about Clark’s progress: “Christian’s one of those guys who does everything right. Quietly consistent. He’s made our defense better every day in practice.”

In a running back room as deep and competitive as Texas’, rising to the top requires more than just talent. It demands a combination of patience, relentless preparation, and seizing the moment. Clark appears to embody all three. His work during the offseason—refining his route tree, adding muscle to withstand Big 12 pounding, and mastering blitz pickups—has elevated his stock with the coaching staff.

Off the field, he’s winning over fans with his humility and focus. “I’m just here to help the team however I can,” Clark told reporters after a spring scrimmage. “We’ve got dogs in this room. I’m learning every day and trying to bring my best.” But behind that humble tone lies a fire. Those who’ve watched Clark closely believe he has the mindset of a future captain.

From a scheme perspective, Clark may be exactly what Sarkisian’s evolving offense needs. With Manning expected to command more RPO (run-pass option) sets and zone-read packages, a versatile back like Clark—who can catch, run between the tackles, and stretch plays to the outside—is a perfect fit. He doesn’t just hit the hole; he diagnoses it, reacts to shifting fronts, and anticipates second-level defenders.

When breaking down tape from the spring game, Clark’s patience and balance stood out. On one series, he danced through traffic at the line of scrimmage, then planted and exploded for 17 yards down the sideline. On another, he leaked out of the backfield and adjusted mid-route to snag a pass thrown behind him, showcasing natural hands and body control.

NFL scouts may not be circling his name yet, but that could change fast. One Big 12 analyst, speaking anonymously, noted: “Clark reminds me of guys who fly under the radar but end up getting drafted in the third or fourth round because they just keep producing.” Texas fans know all too well how quickly an “under the radar” player can transform into the team’s bell cow. Just ask former backs like Keaontay Ingram or D’Onta Foreman—both had to claw their way up from crowded depth charts to lead the Longhorns in rushing.

The key for Clark this season will be consistency. With so many mouths to feed in the backfield, he’ll need to maximize every carry. But if the coaching staff continues to trust him in critical situations—especially in third-down or red-zone packages—his role will only grow. There’s also the looming chance of injury or fatigue to more prominent backs, and Clark appears ready to step in and shoulder the load.

The Texas offense in 2025 has the makings of something explosive. Arch Manning’s development as a passer and leader has reached a new level, the offensive line returns multiple starters, and the receiving corps has both speed and length. What Sarkisian needs is a reliable, efficient, explosive back who can keep defenses honest—and that might just be Christian Clark.

With non-conference tests early in the season—including a marquee showdown against Michigan—Texas fans should get a look at Clark in meaningful snaps sooner rather than later. And if he makes the most of those reps? Don’t be surprised if he becomes the team’s leading rusher by October.

It’s rare for a true sophomore to jump the depth chart and become the guy in a top-10 program’s backfield. But then again, Clark isn’t your typical sophomore. He’s the type of player you buy stock in before the breakout happens—before the casual fans catch on. Because by the time they do, it might be too late to say you saw it coming.

So, who’s the non-starter you should be watching in Texas’ stacked lineup this year?

The smart money says Christian Clark. And if Anwar Richardson’s instincts are correct, Clark won’t be under the radar much longer.