Kentucky RB CJ Baxter opts for nonanswer on Texas Longhorns situation

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There's only so much money to go around, and almost every college athletics program is feeling that. The Kentucky Wildcats are among the premier programs in the country, playing in the SEC, and they certainly have ample funds to go around, but using those wisely is easier said than done.

However, there are some teams that can take a budget to a whole new level, and Texas football is one of them. The Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a plethora of other schools, mainly in the SEC, have significant funding for football. The Longhorns opted not to spend that money on CJ Baxter, one of the top transfer running backs who went from Texas to Kentucky this offseason. Baxter is set to be the most dynamic player for the Cats, and the former five-star talent should be able to show that upside for the Will Stein-led offense.

The 6-foot-1 Baxter was the top running back as a prospect in the Class of 2023, the same class that featured Texas star Arch Manning. He was asked about the lack of funding, and Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian's comments on the situation. Baxter opted not to answer the question, saying "no comment."

Baxter did get on the field some with Texas. He ended his freshman season in 2023 with 659 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He only played in one game as a sophomore and then had a slight bounce-back season in 2025, ending with 196 rushing yards on 54 attempts.

Ideally, Baxter is set to explode in Lexington and should be a workhorse back for Stein's offense. Baxter and Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey will be the playmakers that the offense is going to depend upon most, so both could be ready for a breakout season.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky RB CJ Baxter opts for nonanswer on Texas Longhorns situation

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