Three Texas Returners with Superstar Potential in 2025

AUSTIN – Although top-ranked recruiting classes and young players have been a common topic of conversation in Austin recently, with strong recruiting from head coach Steve Sarkisian, many may not realize just how much talent Texas returns.

The Longhorns are storming into the 2025 season ready for College Football Playoff redemption and success behind young guys like Kaliq Lockett and veterans such as Trey Moore and Colin Simmons. The young talent might be enough to produce, but the production in certain areas could come from some of the talented faces who are returnees to Austin this season. 

Here are three Longhorn returners with superstar potential in 2025. 

Arch Manning, RS-SO QB

Whether the first name is Arch or Peyton or Eli, Manning is a common household name, but Arch’s could get a whole lot more popular with him entering his first year as a starter in Austin.

Many may argue it’s just the name, but his tape can’t improve much more. Manning is a very capable and skilled quarterback with the potential to be a superstar. In the 2024 season as a redshirt-freshman, Manning made an appearance in 10 games, starting two of those in place of an injured Quinn Ewers.

When Ewers first went down with the injury against UTSA, Manning stepped in, completing nine passes in just 12 attempts for 223 yards and four touchdowns. He also showed his improvising ability when he stepped up in the pocket and took off, rushing 67 yards for a touchdown.

The week after, he made his first start against ULM, passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. In his second start, he opened up SEC play for Texas against Mississippi State, completing 26 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns to beat the Bulldogs.

There is a reason Manning was ranked as the No. 1 player nationally coming out of high school, and now that he has the starting job, he has all the potential to break out for the 2025 season.

Trey Moore, RS-SR EDGE

Moore had a good 2024 season, showing true potential as he stepped into a major role on the defensive line for the Longhorns after transferring from UTSA. He was a highly coveted prospect once he entered the transfer portal, and is a player that did and will continue to make an impact as he takes on a leadership role for Texas in 2025.

Moore left UTSA after setting the school record for single-season sacks and tackles for a loss, as well as earning the 2023 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

After arriving in Austin for his and the team’s first season in a new conference, his production decreased, but he still made an impact, recording 36 tackles, 23 of them solo, a pass deflection, five and a half sacks, and forcing three fumbles.

Now with comfort, chemistry, and experience established on the Texas defense, Moore is in a great position to break out in his final year of college ball.

CJ Baxter, RS-SO RB

It has been a while since Baxter has seen the field, dating all the way back to his freshman year when he played against Washington in the Sugar Bowl. Ligament tears — LCL and PCL — in his knee in fall camp ended his 2024 campaign before it even started, but considering the circumstances, it might work in his favor.

Last year, the Longhorns were successful utilizing a running back duo that included Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue, resulting in Blue being drafted by the Cowboys after the season.

Baxter may have seen playing time, but it might have been limited due to how the carries would have been distributed among the three. However,  the duo will now be Wisner and Baxter.

In his freshman season with the Longhorns, Baxter totaled 659 yards and five touchdowns off 138 carries. He also recorded 24 receptions for 156 yards. He showed flashes of greatness, even rushing for 117 yards when Texas played at Iowa State. His talent is noticeable, proven in the fact that he was the No. 2 ranked running back coming out of high school, and now in a new conference, he has his time to shine.