Eric Boggs 
Jaydon Blue is now RB1 for Texas due to multiple injuries.
As the 2024 college football season looms, the importance of running back depth is becoming alarmingly clear for the Texas Longhorns. Historically, championship-caliber teams have relied on multiple running backs to endure the grind of a long season, and in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, this depth is even more critical. Unfortunately for Texas, recent injuries have exposed a vulnerability that could derail their national title hopes.
The Longhorns, preseason ranked No. 4, have already suffered significant setbacks in fall camp. CJ Baxter, a five-star running back who showed promise as a true freshman with 659 rushing yards last season, sustained a season-ending knee injury. Adding to the woes, freshman Christian Clark tore his Achilles, sidelining him for the year as well. These injuries leave Texas with just three scholarship running backs, creating a precarious situation as they enter their debut season in the SEC, known for its physical style of play.
Despite the tradition of producing elite running backs—most recently Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks—Texas now faces the harsh reality of trying to compete for a national championship with limited depth at a critical position. The team has turned to redshirt freshman linebacker Derion Gullette to provide additional support in the backfield, echoing past successful conversions like that of Roschon Johnson. However, the loss of both Baxter and Clark represents a significant blow to their depth, particularly as the season stretches into potentially 17 games under the expanded playoff format.
Historically, teams with championship aspirations have relied on a stable of running backs to carry the load. Eight of the last 10 CFP national champions had at least three running backs surpass 200 yards for the season. The two exceptions—2015 Alabama with Heisman winner Derrick Henry and 2019 LSU with record-breaking quarterback Joe Burrow—had unique circumstances that mitigated their need for depth. Texas fans are all too familiar with the impact injuries can have on a season. In 2023, Jonathon Brooks was on track to win the Doak Walker Award before tearing his ACL, yet Texas managed to win the Big 12, thanks in part to the emergence of Baxter and other contributors.
Now, with Baxter and Clark out, the Longhorns will lean heavily on junior Jaydon Blue, who rushed for 398 yards last season, and sophomore Tre Wisner, who has shown promise but remains unproven. Freshman Jerrick Gibson, ranked as the No. 3 running back in the 2024 class, will also be thrust into the spotlight. While these players have talent, the grind of the SEC and a potentially lengthy playoff run will test their durability and effectiveness.
The situation places additional pressure on quarterback Quinn Ewers and the Texas passing attack. Ewers, who demonstrated his ability to scramble effectively last season, may need to use his legs more frequently to compensate for the lack of depth at running back. With one of the most talented receiving corps in the country and an offensive line expected to be among the best, Texas could mimic LSU’s Burrow-led championship run. However, relying solely on the passing game in the rugged SEC is risky.
Last season, Michigan proved it could win using mainly two backs, but they had the luxury of experienced stars Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Texas’ current situation is far more uncertain, and their luck with injuries has already taken a turn for the worse. The Longhorns’ path to a national championship will undoubtedly be more challenging, and their lack of depth at running back could catch up with them as the season progresses.
In the end, the success of Texas’ 2024 campaign may hinge on whether their remaining running backs can stay healthy and produce at a high level. The talent is there, but the margin for error has become razor-thin.
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