BREAKING NEWS: Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Has Done it Again —Making Major Announcement —Fans React in Shock, RB CJ Baxter Has Been Made The..

In a move that has rocked the Forty Acres and reignited debate across the college football landscape, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has made a major announcement that places sophomore running back CJ Baxter at the heart of the Longhorns’ offensive identity heading into the upcoming season.

During a press conference that was initially expected to be a routine spring update, Sarkisian dropped the bombshell: CJ Baxter will be the Longhorns’ undisputed feature back, taking over full-time duties in a role that will see him carrying the bulk of the offensive load. The declaration came with no qualifiers and no mention of a shared backfield.

“CJ has earned it — plain and simple,” Sarkisian said. “He’s grown in every facet of his game: vision, pass protection, conditioning, and leadership. We’re ready to build this offense with him as the focal point.”

The announcement stunned many in the fan base, not because of a lack of talent on Baxter’s part, but due to the timing and its implications for other high-profile backs on the roster. With a competitive running back room and several promising underclassmen, most had expected a more committee-style approach.

Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement. Some fans celebrated the vote of confidence in Baxter, a former five-star recruit who flashed brilliance in limited action last season. Others were taken aback, questioning whether Baxter is ready to shoulder a full SEC-level workload.

“He’s got the potential, no doubt,” one longtime fan tweeted. “But putting it all on his shoulders this early? Bold move, Sark.”

Baxter, who dealt with minor injuries during his freshman year, now finds himself in a high-pressure spotlight. In response to the news, the young running back posted a simple message to his followers: “Grateful. Locked in.”

Sarkisian, known for his aggressive and often unpredictable offensive strategies, appears to be doubling down on a run-first identity as Texas prepares to enter the SEC gauntlet. With quarterback competition still evolving and questions around the receiving corps, the decision to make Baxter the offensive centerpiece signals a commitment to physicality and consistency on the ground.

“This is a statement,” said one analyst close to the program. “It tells the locker room and the fans that Sark has his guy, and he’s not hedging his bets.”

Now, with spring practice heating up and fall camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on Baxter — and Sarkisian — to see if this gamble pays off. One thing is certain: the Texas Longhorns’ backfield just got a whole lot more interesting.