Texas Running Back Room in Flux, But Sarkisian Still Has Options
The Texas Longhorns' backfield is undergoing a serious shakeup this offseason. Quintrevion Wisner, one of the team's top contributors on the ground this year, announced he’ll be entering the transfer portal when it opens on January 2.
He follows fellow running back C.J. Baxter out the door, and they’re not alone-Rickey Stewart Jr. and Jerrick Gibson have also signaled their intent to transfer.
That’s four backs out in one offseason, including the two most experienced players at the position. On paper, that sounds like a gut punch. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see why Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns might not be hitting the panic button just yet.
Manning Leading the Ground Game?
Here’s the twist-Texas’ leading touchdown rusher this season wasn’t a running back. It was quarterback Arch Manning, who found the end zone eight times on the ground.
That’s more than Wisner and Baxter combined. Manning also logged 244 rushing yards, second only to Wisner’s 597, showing he’s more than capable of making plays with his legs when needed.
That dual-threat ability gives Sarkisian a little more flexibility as he retools the offense. With Manning under center, the Longhorns can afford to be a bit more creative while the backfield resets.
Who’s Left in the Room?
Christian Clark and James Simon didn’t get a ton of touches this season, but they did combine for 253 rushing yards and a touchdown. More importantly, they’re familiar with Sarkisian’s system and will likely have a leg up heading into spring ball. Expect both to be heavily involved as the team transitions into a new-look offense.
But they won’t be alone. Texas just locked in another top-10 recruiting class, and one of the highlights is four-star running back Derrek Cooper.
Ranked as the No. 10 RB in the 2026 class, Cooper brings a mix of speed, vision, and explosiveness that could get him on the field early-especially with so much turnover at the position.
Portal Possibilities
Sarkisian isn’t limited to internal options, either. The transfer portal is wide open, and there are several intriguing names already floating around.
Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook, a Texas native, could be a natural fit. NC State’s Hollywood Smothers, Washington’s Adam Mohammed, and Missouri’s Marquise Davis are also on the radar-each offering something different in terms of style and experience.
Whether Sarkisian goes after one or two of these veterans or leans into the youth movement, he has options. And with Arch Manning returning as the centerpiece of the offense, the Longhorns can afford to be patient as they rebuild their backfield.
The Bottom Line
Yes, Texas is losing a lot of talent at running back. But this isn’t uncharted territory for a program of this caliber. With a dynamic quarterback, a pair of young backs ready to step up, a blue-chip recruit on the way, and the transfer portal in play, the Longhorns are far from depleted.
It’s a new chapter for the Texas backfield-but not necessarily a step back.