Texas Football Running Back Preview for 2025: Tre Wisner, CJ Baxter, and the Future of the Backfield
As we look ahead to the 2025 season for the University of Texas Longhorns, the running back position remains a focal point of the program’s offensive strategy. While the Longhorns have seen their fair share of outstanding backs in recent history, including the likes of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, the 2025 season promises to bring fresh excitement with new faces and returning talent ready to elevate the backfield.
One of the most highly anticipated additions to the Texas running back group is CJ Baxter, an electrifying talent who figures to make an immediate impact. Alongside him, Tre Wisner, an incredibly skilled and dynamic back, will be expected to carry the load for the offense. Together, these two players, alongside others on the roster, are set to redefine what Texas football’s rushing attack looks like moving forward.
This article will take an in-depth look at the running back situation for the Texas Longhorns heading into the 2025 season, highlighting Tre Wisner, CJ Baxter, and the running back corps as a whole.
The Rise of CJ Baxter
CJ Baxter, one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, is arguably the crown jewel of Texas’s incoming running backs. The 6-foot, 210-pound prospect from Orlando, Florida, is a four-star recruit who has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in recent college football history due to his skill set, physicality, and balance. Baxter has a combination of size, speed, and vision that makes him a dangerous weapon for Texas, and he has the potential to become a key contributor early in his career.
What makes Baxter so special is his ability to excel in multiple facets of the game. As a runner, he has great burst and impressive agility, enabling him to make defenders miss in the open field. His vision allows him to read defenses and find running lanes, while his power makes him tough to bring down when he gets moving downhill. Additionally, Baxter has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, which adds another dimension to his game.
Baxter’s versatility will allow him to be a focal point of the Texas offense. Whether he’s running between the tackles or getting involved in the passing game, he’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. The Longhorns’ offensive staff is excited about the possibilities Baxter brings to the table, and there’s no doubt he’ll be heavily featured in 2025.
The key for Baxter’s development in his first season will be adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. While he has all the tools to be a star, it will be crucial for him to adapt quickly to the demands of the Big 12. If he can do so, Baxter will be poised to make a significant impact and could easily become one of the best running backs in the country as early as his freshman year.
Tre Wisner: The Dynamic Playmaker
Joining Baxter in the backfield will be Tre Wisner, a talented, multi-dimensional running back who has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas. Wisner, standing at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, is known for his elite speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss. Although his time in the Texas backfield has thus far been spent in a rotational role, the 2025 season is his opportunity to take on a larger workload and prove himself as one of the premier backs in the Big 12.
Wisner is a home-run hitter. His speed, especially in the open field, is something that opposing defenses have to account for on every single play. If he can get to the edge, he has the speed to outrun defenders and take it the distance. He’s also shown an ability to catch passes out of the backfield, making him a versatile weapon in Texas’ offensive playbook. Wisner’s ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver gives him a lot of value, as it opens up opportunities for the Longhorns to create mismatches in both the running and passing game.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a breakout year for Wisner. With the addition of Baxter and the continued development of Wisner’s skills, Texas now has a running back duo that can strike fear into the hearts of defenses. Wisner’s speed and agility combined with Baxter’s power and vision could provide a potent one-two punch for the Longhorns in 2025.
Other Notable Running Backs on the Roster
While much of the attention in the Texas backfield in 2025 will be focused on Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter, there are several other running backs on the roster who could make an impact in the upcoming season.
Jaden Hullaby
One player to keep an eye on is Jaden Hullaby, a running back who has been with the Longhorns for a few seasons and has shown flashes of potential. Hullaby has a similar skill set to Wisner in terms of his ability to make defenders miss and his speed in the open field. If Hullaby can develop his consistency and prove he can handle a larger workload, he could emerge as a valuable depth piece for the Texas running back rotation.
Jonathan Brooks
Jonathan Brooks is another running back who has been with the program for some time and is looking to have a breakout 2025 season. Brooks is known for his vision and ability to find running lanes, and his strong work ethic has made him a key part of the Longhorns’ depth at the position. While he may not have the same level of explosiveness as Wisner or Baxter, Brooks is a reliable option who can contribute in key situations.
Keilan Robinson
Keilan Robinson, a player with experience at the college level, is another important figure in the Texas backfield. Robinson has been a consistent presence for Texas in recent seasons, and he offers a unique skill set as a speedy, scat-back type of player. Robinson has been effective in limited touches in previous years, and if he can carve out a more substantial role in 2025, he could provide a valuable change-of-pace option for the Longhorns.
The Impact of the Offensive Line
While the running backs will certainly get a lot of the credit for the success of the Texas running game in 2025, it’s important to recognize the role of the offensive line in making that success possible. For the Longhorns to have a dominant running attack, the offensive line will need to open up holes and provide the necessary protection for the backs to make plays.
Texas has recruited well along the offensive line, and in 2025, there should be a solid mix of experience and talent up front. If the offensive line can gel and develop chemistry early in the season, the running back group will benefit greatly. The key will be for the line to create space for Baxter and Wisner to showcase their talents while also providing protection for the passing game.
The Offensive Philosophy in 2025
In terms of offensive philosophy, the Texas Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian are committed to a balanced attack. Sarkisian has a reputation for designing offenses that can do it all, and he knows that a strong running game is essential for sustained success. With a talented backfield that includes both Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter, Texas will likely lean on its running backs early and often in 2025.
Expect Texas to feature a variety of running schemes, from zone-blocking to power runs, and use both Wisner and Baxter in creative ways to take advantage of their strengths. In addition to traditional rushing plays, look for Texas to incorporate running back screens and swing passes to get the ball into the hands of these dynamic players in space.
Having multiple capable running backs will allow Texas to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the season. Both Wisner and Baxter have the potential to be every-down backs, but managing their workloads will be key to avoiding injury and maximizing their effectiveness over the course of a long season.
Recruiting and Depth Beyond 2025
Looking beyond the 2025 season, Texas is continuing to build depth in its running back room. With strong recruiting efforts and an eye on the future, the Longhorns will be able to maintain a high level of talent in the backfield for years to come. The 2025 recruiting class already includes some intriguing prospects who could provide depth behind Baxter, Wisner, and others, ensuring that Texas remains competitive in the running back department for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
As we approach the 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns running back position is filled with excitement, potential, and talent. Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter will be the focal points of the offense, and both players have the tools to make an immediate impact. Alongside them, Texas has a solid group of returning backs who will provide depth and contribute to the team’s success. With a strong offensive line and a coaching staff committed to a balanced attack, the Longhorns are poised for a successful year on the ground.
Whether it’s through explosive runs, key receptions, or wearing down opposing defenses with physicality, the 2025 Texas running back group will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond. Fans should be excited to see the emergence of this dynamic duo in Wisner and Baxter and how they can elevate Texas football in the years to come.