2025 Texas Longhorns Football Preview Emphasizes Deep, Talented Running Back Group Poised to Torch SEC Defenses in Debut Season.

The 2025 Texas Longhorns are stepping into a bold new chapter in their storied football history as they officially join the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a move that has long been anticipated by fans and critics alike. As the program prepares to compete in what is widely regarded as the most competitive and physically demanding conference in college football, much attention has been directed toward one particular strength that could give Texas an immediate edge—its stacked and highly versatile running back room. Loaded with talent, depth, and experience, this group is poised to become a key weapon as the Longhorns aim to assert themselves in their first full SEC season.

With a brutal conference slate ahead that includes matchups against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other perennial powerhouses, having a powerful and consistent run game will be more than a luxury—it will be a necessity. Fortunately for head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas enters 2025 with one of the deepest and most dynamic backfields in the country, a unit built not only to survive but to thrive in the trenches of SEC football.

The foundation of this unit begins with the return of standout running back CJ Baxter, who emerged as a reliable force during the 2024 campaign. Baxter, a former five-star recruit, came into the Texas program with high expectations and has steadily grown into a workhorse back capable of handling 20+ touches a game. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 215 pounds, he combines physicality with impressive lateral quickness, making him a nightmare for defenders trying to bring him down in space or between the tackles.

Baxter isn’t just a power runner; he has soft hands out of the backfield and has proven effective in the screen game and as a check-down target, a valuable asset as Sarkisian continues to diversify the Longhorns’ offensive playbook. His experience and leadership will be vital, especially with younger backs looking to carve out their roles behind him.

Adding to the excitement is the return of Jaydon Blue, another explosive option who brings a different dimension to the Texas ground game. Blue, who clocked in at a blistering 4.4 in the forty-yard dash, is the home-run hitter of the group. While Baxter punishes defenses with his physical style, Blue slices them open with speed and agility. His ability to take a simple handoff or swing pass and turn it into a 50-yard gain makes him a constant threat defenses must account for, often forcing them to stack the box or shift their coverage just to contain him.

This dual-threat backfield allows Sarkisian to rotate between power and finesse without losing production or rhythm. It’s a luxury few teams possess, and one that could become the cornerstone of Texas’s SEC debut. But Baxter and Blue are just the beginning.

Waiting in the wings is Trey Wisner, a redshirt sophomore who saw limited action in 2024 but flashed moments of brilliance when given the opportunity. Wisner is a slippery runner with great vision and balance, often making defenders miss with subtle cuts and excellent footwork. He’s particularly effective in third-down situations, where his awareness and versatility can keep drives alive. Though not yet the marquee name in the backfield, insiders around the program have noted his offseason development, particularly his added strength and improved blocking—an area often overlooked in young backs but crucial in the SEC.

Then there’s Quinten Joyner, a rising star and former top-100 recruit who has Longhorns fans buzzing with excitement. Joyner has the size-speed combination that scouts love, and he enters 2025 with a real shot at making significant contributions, even in a crowded room. His aggressive running style and ability to fight through contact offer shades of former Texas greats, and the coaching staff has hinted that he could be in line for more carries as the season progresses.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the group is incoming freshman Jarvis Riggins, a five-star signee from the state of Florida who chose Texas over offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. Riggins brings a rare blend of size (6-foot, 220 pounds), speed, and vision, making him a potential future star. Though he may not start right away, Riggins is already making waves in summer workouts and could force his way onto the field sooner than expected. Sarkisian has a long track record of giving talented freshmen opportunities to shine, and Riggins fits the mold of an SEC-caliber running back who can contribute both immediately and for the long haul.

This abundance of talent has created a friendly but fierce competition during offseason training, with each back pushing the others to elevate their game. The internal competition has been described by coaches as the healthiest kind—productive, driven, and focused on team success. It’s a dynamic that’s translated into sharper practices and an elevated standard of performance throughout the offense.

Equally important to this success will be the Longhorns’ offensive line, a unit that returns three starters from 2024 and welcomes a pair of highly touted transfers. Anchored by senior tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who is already being projected as a first-round NFL draft pick, the line has the size, experience, and cohesion to create the running lanes needed for Texas’s backfield to flourish. In the SEC, where games are often won in the trenches, having a reliable line to pave the way is essential, and Texas looks well-equipped in that regard.

Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, which blends pro-style elements with spread concepts, will also play a key role in maximizing the talent in the backfield. His ability to scheme creative running plays, use motion to isolate defenders, and call formations that keep defenses guessing has already made Texas a tough matchup for opposing coordinators. Now, with even more weapons in the backfield, expect the play-calling to be even more unpredictable and explosive.

From a broader perspective, the significance of Texas having such a strong running game in their first SEC season cannot be overstated. The conference is known for its defensive dominance, with teams like Georgia and Alabama boasting elite front sevens that can shut down even the most talented offenses. To succeed in this environment, Texas will need to control the clock, limit turnovers, and wear down defenses—and their running backs are perfectly suited to do just that.

Moreover, establishing the run will open up the passing game for sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who enters the season as the presumed starter. With so much focus on stopping the run, defenses will inevitably leave openings in the secondary, and Manning has the arm talent to capitalize. Having a stable of backs he can rely on to take pressure off him will be crucial for his development and for the team’s overall offensive rhythm.

Recruiting-wise, Texas’s depth at running back is already paying dividends. High school prospects are taking notice of the program’s commitment to developing backs and showcasing their skills on the national stage. The Longhorns’ ability to recruit and retain elite talent at the position will be a long-term advantage as they try to cement their place among the SEC’s elite.

There’s no question that expectations are high in Austin heading into the 2025 season. With a top-10 preseason ranking and a roster filled with NFL-caliber talent, fans are dreaming of a College Football Playoff appearance. And while the schedule will be daunting, especially with matchups against SEC juggernauts and a late-season clash with archrival Texas A&M, the Longhorns believe they have the formula to contend right away.

It starts with the run game.

In an era where many programs prioritize passing and spread formations, Texas is leaning into the physicality and toughness that has long defined SEC football. Their running back room is not only ready—it’s built for it. With a mix of veterans, rising stars, and elite newcomers, this group is ready to carry the load, both literally and figuratively, as the Longhorns begin their SEC journey.

If the 2025 season unfolds the way many predict, don’t be surprised if it’s the ground game—led by Baxter, Blue, Wisner, Joyner, and Riggins—that serves as the foundation for Texas’s success. In the SEC, where every yard is earned and every hit counts, the Longhorns might just have the most important advantage of all: a running back room ready to dominate.