Texas came into the season with sky-high expectations - ranked No. 1, eyes set on a national title, and a roster that looked stacked on paper. But as the dust settles on a disappointing campaign, the Longhorns are facing a harsh reality: three losses, a ground game that never found its footing, and now a running back room that’s rapidly thinning out.
The latest blow? Sophomore standout Quintrevion Wisner plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, per his agent.
That’s a major loss for Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Wisner wasn’t just a contributor - he was the guy in the Texas backfield this season, leading the team with 597 rushing yards on 131 carries, while also adding 146 yards through the air.
And now, he’s the fourth scholarship running back to head for the exits, joining CJ Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, and Rickey Stewart Jr. in what’s become a full-blown exodus.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a depth issue anymore - it’s a structural problem.
Texas averaged just 3.9 yards per carry this season, a number that drops to 3.43 when you isolate Power 4 matchups. That put them at No. 101 nationally in rushing, a staggering drop-off for a program that’s historically leaned on its ground game. For context, that’s a far cry from the kind of production that wins titles - or even keeps an offense balanced enough to compete at the top level.
Wisner was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent rushing attack. After a breakout 1,064-yard sophomore season that earned him third-team All-SEC honors, he transferred to Texas and immediately became the focal point of the run game. At 6-foot, 194 pounds, the Waco-area native brought size, quickness, and versatility - traits that are now headed elsewhere.
The departures leave Christian Clark and James Simon as the only scholarship backs with any real game experience heading into the offseason. That’s a razor-thin margin for error, especially for a program that expected to contend deep into the postseason.
Meanwhile, the offensive line is expected to return more experience next year, but here’s the thing - experience up front doesn’t mean much if you don’t have backs who can read blocks, hit holes, and make defenders miss. That’s what Texas is now scrambling to find.
The portal hasn’t been kind to Sarkisian this winter. Wisner is now the 13th Longhorn to enter the portal this offseason, and while some attrition is expected in the modern college football landscape, losing your entire running back room in a matter of weeks is another story entirely.
Even more concerning? This isn’t just about numbers.
CJ Baxter, who showed flashes of potential, had 196 rushing yards before entering the portal. Jerrick Gibson, a highly touted recruit, left the program back in October after logging 152 yards.
These aren’t just bodies - they’re players Texas was counting on to develop into key contributors.
There’s also an outside storyline worth watching. Jabbar Juluke, who now coaches the Texas running backs, previously worked with Jadan Baugh, an All-SEC back at Florida.
Baugh is one of the top names to watch in the portal - if he decides to leave. New Gators head coach Jon Sumrall is reportedly working hard to keep him in Gainesville, but if he becomes available, Texas would be wise to make a strong push.
For Sarkisian, the challenge is now two-fold. He entered December looking to add depth.
He’ll enter January needing to rebuild an entire position group from the ground up. That’s a massive shift - and it turns what was once a luxury of options into a situation where every move matters.
The pressure’s on in Austin. The Longhorns have talent, they have resources, and they have a fan base hungry for results.
But without a reliable run game, even the most explosive offenses can stall. And right now, Texas doesn’t just need a spark - they need a full reset in the backfield.