Texas Football’s Backfield Reset: Why Michael Terry III Could Be the Longhorns’ Next Breakout Star
The 2025 season was a mixed bag for Texas when it came to the ground game. The Longhorns struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack, and while much of that can be traced back to issues along the offensive line, the running backs didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory either.
At times, both C.J. Baxter and Tre Wisner looked hesitant at the mesh point-more reactive than decisive-missing chances to hit the hole with authority.
Wisner did find his footing as the season wore on, showing flashes of the explosiveness Texas hoped for. But outside of him, the running back room never quite found a rhythm.
That lack of production has opened the door for Texas to explore reinforcements in the transfer portal this January. And with Baxter now officially in the portal and Wisner still weighing his future in Austin, the Longhorns are facing a pivotal moment in reshaping their backfield for 2026.
Next Man Up: Who Steps Into the Spotlight?
Someone on the current roster is going to have to rise to the occasion. Christian Clark and James Simon are names to watch, but the most intriguing option might be Michael Terry III-a player whose path to the backfield has been anything but conventional.
Terry arrived in Austin as the No. 1-ranked athlete in the 2025 recruiting class and initially lined up at wide receiver. That decision made sense.
At 6'3", 217 pounds, Terry has the frame and ball skills to be a matchup nightmare on the perimeter. But make no mistake-he’s a running back at heart.
That’s where he made his name at the high school level, and that’s where his natural instincts shine brightest.
Now, with the Longhorns in need of a spark in the backfield, Terry is trending toward a more prominent role at running back in 2026. And based on what we've seen so far, he might be tailor-made for the job.
A Unique Skillset That’s Hard to Ignore
Terry’s blend of size, agility, and hands is rare-even by Power Five standards. He’s built like a receiver, runs like a back, and has the kind of versatility that Steve Sarkisian loves to deploy in creative ways. Think of him as a potential Jalen Hurd-type weapon-someone who can line up in the backfield, motion out wide, and create mismatches all over the field.
There’s even been some buzz comparing Terry to a player like Cordarrelle Patterson, who carved out a unique role in the NFL thanks to his hybrid skillset. Both players hover around 6'3", 220 pounds, both have soft hands and natural footwork, and both can be dangerous in space. The comparison isn’t perfect, but it’s enough to get you thinking about the kind of impact Terry could have if Texas commits to using him creatively.
Transfer Portal or Not, Terry Will Be in the Mix
Even if Texas lands a marquee name from the portal-someone like Florida's Jadan Baugh or Washington's Adam Mohammed-Terry's skillset might be too dynamic to keep on the sidelines. He’s the kind of player who can change the complexion of a game with one touch, and in an offense that values versatility and tempo, he fits like a glove.
The Longhorns don’t just need a body in the backfield-they need a playmaker. Someone who can break tackles, catch passes, and keep defenses honest. Michael Terry III might just be that guy.
And if he is, don’t be surprised if 2026 becomes the year he takes over as the face of Texas’ ground game.