The Longhorns had an issue running the football in 2025, mostly due to their offensive line situation but the ball-carriers definitely weren't completely innocent. C.J. Baxter and Tre Wisner were seemingly hesitant at the mesh point at times instead of showing confidence and hitting the designed hole.
Though Wisner ended up finding success later on in the year, nobody else in the running back room really did. This might be one of the main reasons why Texas is predicted to add a running back in the transfer portal in January.
With Wisner still pondering his future with the Longhorns, and C.J Baxter entering the transfer portal, it's safe to say that someone on the current roster will also have to step up in 2026. Though players like Christian Clark and James Simon are possibilities, it wouldn't be surprising to see "new" RB Michael Terry III play a big role next year.
Cordarrell Patterson - Tennessee
— Landon Holifield ✭ (@TheLandoShow) October 16, 2025
≈
Michael Terry III - Texas
It’s an interesting comp but to even stop & think about why it might be close should say enough.
Each go about 6-3, 220ish have receiver hands & RB feet.
Both probably play/played with sub-optimal pad-level as… pic.twitter.com/3ILS5Ft1a0
5-star status
Terry III was the No.1-ranked ATH recruit in the 2025 class, and ended up playing wide receiver for the Longhorns throughout the first part of the season before switching to running back. One of the main reasons why Texas started him out at receiver is due to his sheer size (6'3", 217 lbs.), length, and pass-catching ability but he's a natural running back. That's where he made his mark at the prep level and what put him on the map as far as being an elite recruit.
Imagine Terry developing and turning into a player similar to Jalen Hurd, who absolutely dominated at Tennessee back in 2014-2016. He could be an X-factor in Steve Sarkisian's offense both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield in 2026.
Even if the Longhorns do end up going out and getting a stud running back like Florida's Jadan Baugh or Washington's Adam Mohammed in the transfer portal, Terry could still be hard to keep off the field due to his rare size and skillset.