The Texas Longhorns are facing a massive exodus at the running back position, with multiple players leaving the program.
Most notably, Quintrevion Wisner and C.J. Baxter have entered the transfer portal, leaving the roster without two rushing options.
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While those losses will hurt the offense, Texas is keeping Arch Manning at the school for at least another year, getting him to avoid entering the draft early after his redshirt sophomore season.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian, however, relies heavily on running the ball to set up the Run-Pass Options and play-action, and they will need to invest in the portal to ensure they get a bellcow back.
Despite the talent loss, Texas could even improve on what it had last season, especially if it lands one of the better players who could enter the transfer portal.
Florida running back Jadan Baugh is still pencilled in for the roster next season, though there are rumors that he may leave Gainesville. He is a 6-foot-1 runner who weighs 231 pounds, with power, burst, and straight-line speed, and good vision.
He finished the season with 220 carries for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns.
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According to Sports Illustrated’s Henry Hipschman, Baugh would be the top option to replace Wisner and could be the single best addition to the transfer market.
Baugh, though, is not a sure thing to be available, as Florida head coach Jon Sumrall is doing whatever possible to keep his star running back, especially knowing that an SEC team like Texas could poach him with a big bag of money and the prospect of playing alongside Manning.
Additionally, Baugh offers a long-term solution, as he still has two years of eligibility left, meaning Texas could have their starter for the next couple of years, though his talent will make it hard to keep him away from the NFL.
It will cost a pretty penny to bring him in, but he could end up being a key player for the team and help them become a National Championship contender with a balanced offense.
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