Kentucky RB CJ Baxter’s injury status revealed ahead of Oklahoma game, per report

Kentucky running back CJ Baxter has been stellar in 2026. The former Texas Longhorn has 87 carries for 484 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Wildcats.

An injury — undisclosed at this point — has put Baxter’s status against Oklahoma in question. But there could be some good news. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Baxter is a “game-time decision” as the Wildcats take on the Sooners on Saturday.

Baxter, a former five-star recruit, had a strong 2023 season as a true freshman with Texas. He ran for 659 yards and five touchdowns for the Longhorns. But a serious knee injury sidelined him for 2024. After suffering a hamstring injury in 2025, he was limited to eight games, totaling 196 yards on 54 carries and pulling in a receiving touchdown.

After entering the transfer portal, Baxter has gotten the fresh start he needed at Kentucky, which is 5-1 in Will Stein‘s first season and suddenly in the middle of the College Football Playoff race. In his last outing, he totaled 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against LSU in Week 6.

If Baxter isn’t available, redshirt sophomore Jason Patterson could be in line to get most of the carries out of the backfield. Patterson has 361 yards and three touchdowns on 47 attempts.

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.