The Texas Longhorns are facing a significant shift in their running back lineup just days before the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. Junior running back Quintrevion Wisner has officially entered the transfer portal after three seasons in Austin, where he accumulated 1,734 yards and scored nine touchdowns. His departure marks a pivotal moment for the Longhorns as they prepare for their New Year’s Eve matchup on December 31, 2025.
With Wisner’s exit, the Longhorns have now experienced four changes in their running back roster. Alongside Wisner, CJ Baxter and Rickey Stewart Jr. also entered the portal earlier in December, while Jerrick Gibson left the program midseason. This leaves Texas with only two running backs—true freshman James Simon and redshirt-freshman Christian Clark—who have seen action during the 2025 season. Both players have shown potential during non-conference games, but their experience is limited, with a combined total of just 64 career snaps.
Freshman Michael Terry III Set to Shine
In light of these developments, the spotlight shifts to five-star freshman Michael Terry III. Although he has made only one appearance this season, Terry is poised to take on a more prominent role. Originally starting his college career in the wide receiver group, he transitioned to running back midway through the season. This versatility is something that Steve Sarkisian, Texas’s head coach, has emphasized since Terry’s recruitment.
“We knew when we recruited Michael that he was a really versatile guy,” Sarkisian stated in October. “He was a wildcat quarterback, running back, receiver, even a tight end. We just felt like we had to start him somewhere, and we started him at receiver. I think that was a great learning curve for him there. Now he’s in the running back room, and he’s been very impressive.”
According to Gabe Brooks, a scouting analyst at 247Sports, Terry’s natural talent shines brightest in the running back position. Brooks described him as a “multi-faceted offensive weapon” who possesses the physical attributes and ball skills to create mismatches on the field. His ability to balance power with agility makes him a significant asset to the Longhorns’ offense.
Looking Ahead to the Citrus Bowl
As the Longhorns prepare for the Citrus Bowl, the coaching staff will be eager to evaluate the performance of Simon, Clark, and Terry. This matchup against a formidable Michigan team offers a unique opportunity for the young talent to showcase their abilities on a national stage.
With the recent changes in the running back room, Sarkisian has a chance to assess not only the immediate capabilities of his players but also to gauge the future of the Longhorns’ backfield. The Citrus Bowl could prove to be a pivotal moment for Terry, allowing him to demonstrate why he was such a sought-after prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these emerging athletes perform under pressure. The absence of Wisner may have created a void, but it also opens the door for new talent to rise in the Texas Longhorns football program.
