CJ Baxter’s return could reignite Texas’ struggling offense and give Arch Manning the help he needs

At 5–2 overall and 2–1 in the SEC, Texas has the record of a contender. That said, its offense has yet to find its identity, spending the past month stuck in neutral. Last week's 16-13 overtime win at Kentucky produced just 179 yards, the fewest by a Longhorn team since 2015. Fortunately, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With redshirt sophomore CJ Baxter returning, Texas' offense may finally have the running back depth it needs to reestablish its rhythm.

Baxter’s return brings power, balance, and hope to Texas’ run game

Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Monday that Baxter, who's been sidelined for four straight games with a hamstring injury, was back at practice. "C4 made a lot of progress last week," Sarkisian said. "Hopefully we can get CJ more into the fold."

Baxter's return couldn't come at a better time. Texas' ground game has been flat for weeks, producing only 47 rushing yards against Kentucky and averaging 4.1 yards per carry so far this season.

When healthy, Baxter is everything Texas’ rushing attack has lacked: powerful, decisive, and able to wear down defenses late. At 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, the Florida native arrived in Austin in 2023 as a five-star recruit and immediately contributed, running for 659 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. But consecutive injuries have slowed his rise, limiting him to just 24 carries for 110 yards this season.

His absence has left junior Quintrevion Wisner to shoulder the load. Wisner leads the team with 222 yards on 58 carries, but with little blocking help up front, Texas has struggled to sustain drives or create explosive plays.

When Wisner and Baxter pair up, the results are impressive. In the season opener at Ohio State, the pair combined for 120 yards against one of the country’s top defenses. Despite losing the game 14-7, it offered a glimpse of how balanced this offense's rushing attack can be when both are healthy.

What Baxter’s return means for Arch Manning

For quarterback Arch Manning, Baxter's return could be season-changing. Texas (5–2, 2–1 SEC) enters this week’s matchup against Mississippi State still in control of its conference path, but offensive consistency remains the missing piece.

After weeks of grinding out wins on grit and field goals, Sarkisian’s offense finally has a chance to rediscover its identity. If Baxter can stay healthy and bring back the power Texas built its reputation on, his return might mark the moment this team stops just surviving games and starts dominating again.

For better or worse, Arch Manning has shouldered much of the offense on his own this season. He leads the team in rushing yards (before accounting for sack losses) and rushing TDs (5). His mobility has often been the only thing saving broken plays. But that dependence has made Texas one-dimensional and predictable.

Baxter’s return changes how Sarkisian can call plays, taking some of the pressure off Manning. Baxter's power between the tackles forces defenses to commit extra help in the box, which could finally open up play-action opportunities for Manning. If the offensive line can hold its ground, Sarkisian’s unit could rediscover the rhythm that made it dangerous early in the season. If Baxter stays healthy and returns to form, the Longhorns' offense will be harder to predict, harder to pressure, and far more dangerous down the stretch.