Running back CJ Baxter and quarterback Trey Owens intend to enter the portal when it opens Jan. 2, both players confirmed via Instagram.
Baxter, a redshirt sophomore, rushed 54 times for 196 yards in 2025 after returning from a knee injury that cost him the entirety of the 2024 campaign. He appeared in just eight games while fighting a hamstring injury suffered early in the year. When he returned, he was firmly behind Quintrevion Wisner on the depth chart.
A former five-star prospect, Baxter showcased explosive potential before his injury. He carried the ball 138 times for 659 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman in 2023. He’s the second defection of the season from Texas’ running back room. Jerrick Gibson made the decision to transfer midway through the regular season.
Owens committed to Texas as a four-star prospect in 2024 but never moved above third on the depth chart. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.