It didn't take long for the Texas Longhorns to reset expectations after entering the season atop the AP Poll. A Week 1 loss to Ohio State, headlined by quarterback Arch Manning's immense struggles, was quite the reality check.
In the weeks since, Texas hasn't found the runway to assert itself as a championship contender. Three wins over lesser competition were interrupted by a bad loss to Florida, placing the Longhorns at 3-2 heading into the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday.
Manning's play takes precedence, but a banged-up Texas backfield could come to the forefront in Week 7.
Texas's draft-eligible running backs off to slow start
Texas entered the season with two running backs earning Day 2 hype: Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter. Through injuries and inconsistencies, neither has emerged as a star in the Longhorns' backfield.
Baxter hasn't played since Week 3's win over UTEP, where he played one snap before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. He was listed as doubtful on Thursday's injury report, all but sealing his fate for Saturday.
Baxter's injury continues a worrying trend for the NFL hopeful. He missed all of last season with knee surgery to repair an injured LCL and PCL. After a fun freshman season with 815 yards and five touchdowns from scrimmage, he'll become draft-eligible with a concerning injury history. That signals a return to Texas in 2026, although a crowded backfield could change that calculus.
Missing out on his 225-pound frame is a loss for Texas, and his consistency between the tackles would be a boost in what should be a close contest. For now, the chance to improve upon late Day 3 stock will have to wait.
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Elsewhere, Wisner is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which he suffered in Week 1 in Columbus. The injury hit pause on a strong season opener (16 rushes, 80 yards), and his return to action against Florida was underwhelming. Wisner found 11 yards and a score on eight carries, and looked as if he tweaked his hamstring.
Having not been named on the injury report, he's expected to be a full-go against the Sooners.
Wisner is the smaller, more explosive piece of the Texas backfield. His aggressiveness keeps big plays on the table, and he should find receiving work at the next level, despite lacking in pass protection. His size (194 pounds) and inconsistencies limit him to a mid-Day 3 option, but he could improve upon that stock against Oklahoma and the looming SEC slate.
Between Baxter and Wisner, the Longhorns have found a combined 48 carries for 201 yards and one rushing touchdown. Not being at 100% has limited them and taken Texas down a peg. For an offense that has struggled to find its footing, that lack of pedigree could prove meaningful. In the meantime, the Longhorns will continue to turn to the likes of Jerrick Gibson, Christian Clark, and James Simon -- none of whom have cleared 4.5 yards per carry.
A coming-out party for Manning is Texas's ideal path to victory. With his performance limiting optimism, a beleaguered backfield should play a much more important role.
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