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2026 Kentucky Wildcats football position preview: Running Back
TL;DR
CJ Baxter is set to be the starting running back for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2026, bringing significant talent and potential after a strong freshman season at Texas. Despite injury concerns, his physicality and versatility could make a major impact on the team's performance.
Key points
- CJ Baxter expected to be starting running back
- Baxter was a five-star prospect and top-ranked running back
- He had 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a freshman
- Injury history raises concerns about his durability
- Baxter possesses strong physicality and versatility
Mentioned in this story
Texas
Kentucky WildcatsCJ Baxter
The true offseason of college football has begun, the transfer portal is closed and spring practice has been wrapped up. We are going to look position by position and what to expect on the depth chart for the Kentucky Wildcats. Let's take a look at the running back room, which is loaded with talent and high upside.
Starter: CJ Baxter
CJ Baxter is expected to be the starter at running back and he has a ton of talent. Coming out of high school, Baxter was a five star prospect and the number one overall running back in the rankings. He hit the ground running as a true freshman at Texas, he had 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries. He also had 156 receiving yards on 24 catches.
Baxter missed all of 2024 season due to injury and got banged up again in 2025, so the injury history is definitely worrisome. However, if he can stay healthy and return to that form, this will be one of the bigger portal additions for head coach Will Stein. Baxter is a physical runner with great vision and contact balance, he also has the ability to make plays out of the backfield in the passing game. He also has good burst and speed for his 6'1, 230-pound frame.
Coach Stein definitely likes to use a running back by committee approach to the running back room. Last season at Oregon, the Ducks had two players with over 100 carries on the season in Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison. Even the third string running back Dierre Hill Jr. had 75 carries and 656 yards. I believe you will see three running backs behind Baxter that will be in the rotation this season.
Q&A
Who is the starting running back for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2026?
CJ Baxter is expected to be the starting running back for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2026.
What were CJ Baxter's stats during his freshman season at Texas?
During his freshman season at Texas, CJ Baxter recorded 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries, along with 156 receiving yards on 24 catches.
What are the injury concerns regarding CJ Baxter?
CJ Baxter missed the entire 2024 season due to injury and faced additional injuries in 2025, raising concerns about his durability.
What skills does CJ Baxter bring to the running back position?
CJ Baxter is known for his physical running style, great vision, contact balance, and ability to make plays in the passing game, along with good speed for his size.