Texas Backfield Duo Lands on Doak Walker Watch List

The Longhorns are charging into the season with high expectations—and two of their top talents are already turning heads. No. 1 Texas Football’s dynamic running backs, CJ Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner, have been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, an honor reserved for the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

For Baxter, this marks his second consecutive appearance on the list, a testament to his resilience and explosive potential. He and Wisner now aim to join an elite fraternity of Longhorn legends who’ve hoisted the Doak Walker trophy: Ricky Williams (twice), Cedric Benson, D’Onta Foreman, and Bijan Robinson. With five total wins, Texas shares the all-time lead with Wisconsin for most Doak Walker Awards by an FBS school.

Baxter, a sophomore from Orlando, made waves as a true freshman in 2023, racking up 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus 156 receiving yards. His breakout performances included a 117-yard game at Iowa State and a dazzling Sugar Bowl showing against Washington. Though sidelined in 2024 due to injury, his preseason accolades—including second-team All-SEC honors—signal a fierce comeback.

Wisner, meanwhile, enters his third season as a proven force. The Glenn Heights native led Texas in rushing last year with 1,064 yards and added 411 receiving yards, making him one of the most versatile backs in the SEC. His four 100-yard games against top-tier opponents and his Maxwell Award watch list nod solidify his status as a star to watch.

This marks the third time in four years that Texas has placed two backs on the Doak Walker preseason list, continuing a tradition of backfield excellence. The award, named after SMU icon Doak Walker, will announce ten semifinalists in November, followed by three finalists and the ultimate winner in December during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

With Baxter and Wisner leading the charge, the Longhorns’ ground game looks primed to make history once again.