Will running back CJ Baxter be available for Texas football’s season opener at Ohio State? Here’s what coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Will Running Back CJ Baxter Be Available for Texas Football’s Season Opener at Ohio State? Here’s What Coach Steve Sarkisian Said

As the anticipation for the 2025 college football season builds, all eyes are on the Texas Longhorns and their quest to start the year strong. One of the most exciting storylines heading into the season is the potential availability of CJ Baxter, a highly anticipated running back recruit. His performance could be pivotal in the Longhorns’ season opener against a challenging opponent like the Ohio State Buckeyes.

While expectations for Baxter have been high ever since he committed to Texas, his availability for the season opener has remained a point of discussion. With a matchup against Ohio State looming, questions surrounding Baxter’s health and readiness to contribute immediately have dominated the conversation. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has addressed these concerns and provided clarity on where the talented freshman stands.

In this article, we will break down what CJ Baxter’s potential absence or presence means for Texas and what Coach Sarkisian has said about Baxter’s condition. We will also explore the impact of Baxter’s performance on Texas’ season opener, the preparation for Ohio State, and how the Longhorns’ offensive strategy might shift based on his availability.

Who Is CJ Baxter?

Before delving into the injury situation, it’s essential to understand the level of expectation surrounding CJ Baxter. A five-star recruit and one of the top running back prospects in the country, Baxter arrived at Texas as one of the most heralded players in his class.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Baxter is a physical specimen with a unique blend of power and speed that can break tackles, gain yards after contact, and turn short runs into explosive plays. His balance and vision make him a natural fit for the college game, and scouts have compared him to elite backs in the NFL due to his ability to read blocks and attack holes with precision.

Baxter’s high school career at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his senior season. His success didn’t go unnoticed, and Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff made it a priority to land the highly-touted back. Baxter’s recruitment was a significant victory for Texas, and many expected him to step into the starting running back role right away.

The Season Opener: Texas vs. Ohio State

The Texas Longhorns will face a monumental challenge in the season opener, as they travel to Ohio Stadium to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football, known for its speed, talent, and storied history. The Buckeyes have consistently been among the top-ranked teams in the nation, and their home field advantage at the “Horseshoe” will only add to the difficulty of the matchup.

For Texas, a win in this game would be an early statement that they are not only back as a powerhouse but are also ready to compete at the highest level. The game will also serve as an early test for the Longhorns, providing an opportunity to gauge their progress under Sarkisian’s leadership.

The question that looms large, however, is whether CJ Baxter will be available for this high-stakes opener. His health and availability will have a significant impact on the Longhorns’ offensive game plan, as he was expected to be a key contributor in the backfield. With Ohio State’s defense known for its speed and athleticism, the presence of a playmaker like Baxter would be crucial to establishing a balanced attack that keeps the defense on its toes.

Coach Steve Sarkisian Addresses the CJ Baxter Situation

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has addressed the questions surrounding CJ Baxter’s availability for the opener against Ohio State. While not divulging specific details about Baxter’s injury or situation, Sarkisian was candid about the process and the importance of ensuring that Baxter is fully healthy before taking the field.

What Did Coach Sarkisian Say About CJ Baxter’s Health?

1. Sarkisian’s Cautious Optimism: During recent media sessions, Coach Sarkisian emphasized that the team is taking a cautious approach with Baxter’s health. While he didn’t confirm specific details about an injury, Sarkisian made it clear that the coaching staff and medical team are working closely with Baxter to ensure he is fully recovered and prepared for the season opener. The key message from Sarkisian was one of optimism, but with a focus on making sure that Baxter is ready both physically and mentally for the rigors of the season.
   • “We are in no rush to get CJ on the field until we feel he’s 100 percent,” Sarkisian said during one of his press conferences. “The season opener is important, but we want to ensure that he’s healthy not only for that game but for the long-term success of the season.”
2. Baxter’s Progress and Timeline: As of the latest reports, Coach Sarkisian noted that CJ Baxter has been participating in some practice drills but has not been cleared for full-contact action. The timeline for his return is uncertain, but the Longhorns are closely monitoring his progress. It’s been indicated that the team is not pushing Baxter to return prematurely, understanding the risks of rushing a player with the potential to be a foundational piece of the offense.
3. Sarkisian on Depth in the Backfield: While much of the conversation has been about Baxter, Sarkisian has also made it clear that Texas has depth in the running back room, which provides a level of comfort in case Baxter is unable to go in the opener. Players like Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson have shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, and their contributions could prove crucial should Baxter be sidelined.
   • “We have confidence in our running back room,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got guys who are capable of stepping up if needed. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t excited about CJ’s potential and what he can bring to this offense.”
4. Decision Will Be Made with Player’s Well-Being in Mind: Coach Sarkisian stressed that the decision regarding Baxter’s availability will ultimately prioritize the player’s well-being. The coaching staff has made it clear that they will not rush Baxter back onto the field if there is any concern regarding his health. With the Longhorns having a tough schedule ahead, it’s crucial that Baxter’s potential contribution is maximized in the long term, rather than rushing him into action in a high-stakes opener.
   • “We want CJ at his best, not just for Ohio State, but for the entire season,” Sarkisian added. “If that means taking extra time for his recovery, then that’s what we’ll do.”
5. Baxter’s Impact on the Offense: When discussing what CJ Baxter brings to the offense, Sarkisian didn’t mince words. “CJ is a dynamic player. He’s a guy that can change the game with his vision, his ability to break tackles, and his explosiveness,” Sarkisian said. His potential to be a dual-threat back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield is a major asset for Texas. His unique skill set has made him a focal point of the offense, and Sarkisian believes Baxter’s ability to control the game with his versatility could give the Longhorns an edge in their quest to compete with Ohio State.
   • However, Sarkisian was also realistic, noting that while Baxter’s presence would undoubtedly improve the offense, the Longhorns will need to adjust accordingly if he is not available. The depth at the running back position will be key in ensuring that the offense remains potent.

The Importance of CJ Baxter for Texas

Should CJ Baxter be ready for the season opener against Ohio State, his presence in the backfield would significantly enhance the Longhorns’ offensive attack. A strong running game can serve as a foundation for any successful football team, and with the Buckeyes’ formidable defense, Texas will need every weapon at their disposal to succeed.

Baxter is known for his ability to make quick, decisive cuts and his ability to create yardage after contact. His versatility as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield makes him an ideal candidate for Sarkisian’s dynamic offensive system, which thrives on spreading defenses and keeping them guessing. The more Baxter can be utilized in the game plan, the more difficult it will be for Ohio State’s defense to contain the Longhorns’ attack.

However, even if Baxter is unable to play, Texas still has a deep running back room capable of stepping up. Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson have both shown promise in past seasons, and both have the potential to make an impact in a high-profile game against Ohio State.

Preparing for Ohio State Without Baxter

If Baxter is unavailable for the opener, Coach Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff will likely adjust their strategy to emphasize the other playmakers on offense. While the running back position is crucial, the Longhorns’ success ultimately hinges on their quarterback play and wide receivers. Quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to rise to the occasion, utilizing his arm strength and ability to read defenses to keep Ohio State’s defense off-balance. Additionally, the Texas receiving corps, led by Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, will play a vital role in stretching the defense and opening up running lanes.

In this case, the Longhorns may opt to rely more heavily on their passing game and take advantage of Ohio State’s secondary. RPOs (Run-Pass Options) could become an essential tool in keeping Ohio State’s defense guessing while providing Ewers with the flexibility to make quick, high-percentage throws to the wideouts.