Texas RB CJ Baxter undergoes successful surgery, did not tear PCL

Texas running back CJ Baxter underwent successful surgery on Tuesday from Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas.

Baxter’s LCL and ACL only needed to be repaired, he did not tear his PCL as initially feared, a source confirmed to On3 on Friday afternoon. The running back will still miss the season but now turns his attention towards 2025.

The news was first reported by Orangebloods.

The sophomore was coming off a strong offseason and was earning high praise from NFL scouts inside the building visiting the Longhorns. One source previously told On3 that Baxter even earned a comparison to Edgerrin James by a scout.

Texas was excited to see Baxter paired with Jaydon Blue, hoping the duo could form one of the top backfields in the sport. A former five-star recruit, Baxter rushed 659 yards on 138 carries with five touchdowns in 2023 as Jonathon Brooks’ backup. Brooks tore his ACL in November 2023, opening up more carries for Baxter, who rushed for 117 yards against Iowa State.

Along with Baxter’s injury, Christian Clark also tore his Achilles earlier this month and is out for the season.

With the Longhorns facing two injuries in their running back room, they dipped into the transfer portal earlier this week. Texas landed a commitment Wednesday night from SMU running back Velton Gardner.

The grad transfer did not enter the portal until July, five months after he had announced plans to enter. A former Kansas transfer, the 5-foot-9, 189-pound tailback has rushed for 1,024 career yards and six touchdowns. A sixth-year senior, he’s carried the ball 229 times in his career and now gives the Longhorns another option.

CJ Baxter is a former five-star prospect from the 2024 recruiting class. Now he’s on the path to recovery and returning to the Texas roster.