Dec. 8, 2025, 2:11 p.m. CT
The new single window transfer portal is still a few weeks away, but many players are announcing their intentions early to give them more time to find a new home. That’s the case with the Texas Longhorns as two players have let it be known they will enter the portal.
The new transfer portal window is January 2nd to January 16th, right in the middle of the college football playoffs. But the preparations behind the scenes for months. Programs like Texas no doubt have been updating transfer boards with potential targets. It will fill up even more as players announce their intentions.
And make no mistake, even though the official window starts in 2026, quiet secret deals are being worked out and worked on right now. The earlier a player announces he’s transfer the more options that player may have.
So far, Texas has already lost two players. One has had a big impact at times during his tenure at Texas. The other hasn’t seen the field much.
Texas Football Players in Transfer Portal:
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!RB CJ Baxter
Baxter was a big part of the running back rotation in the 2023 season, Texas’ last season in the Big 12. Baxter played in all 13 games, had 138 carries and rushed for 659 yards. He was set to be the started for the 2024 season, but suffered a season ending knee injury in fall camp and missed the entire season.
Back for the 2025 season, Baxter was slated to be a big part of the offense. But he was no longer the starting running back. That went to Tre Wisner, who established himself in 2024 when Baxter was injured.
Baxter had 23 carried in the first two games of the season, then had only 31 total carries over the rest of the season. He was battling injuries and missed a few games, but he clearly wasn’t an important factor in the offense anymore.
Whether it was due to past or present injuries, the offensive line problems are just being out of favor, it as all led to the sophomore looking for a new home to play college football.
QB Trey Owens
Owens was seen as a solid depth signing when he picked Texas in 2023. The two-time all-district QB was a selection for the 2023 U.S. Army Bowl and the 2024 All-American Bowl. He ranked No. 24 among quarterbacks and No. 55 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports.
Last season, the freshman got into two games. He was 2 of 4 for 19 yards passing and had 3 yards rushing against UTSA. He also played against Louisiana Monroe, but had no official stats. He would end up taking a redshirt.
Notably in 2025, the now redshirt freshman didn’t see the field at all. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian brought in senior QB Matthew Caldwell to be the backup to starter Arch Manning. Caldwell had played at tiny Gardner-Webb and Troy and was seen as an experienced, reliable second-string. And it’s hard to argue with his performance. Caldwell was good every time he played. Even true freshman KJ Lacey had a completed pass for Texas in 2025.
With Manning at Texas for at least another year and with the recruitment of five-star QB Dia Bell, Owens probably saw any hope of playing time squeezed out.
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