Four Texas Longhorns running backs have entered the transfer portal since the team let go of coach Chad Scott. So, who is the starter for the Citrus Bowl vs. Michigan?
The Texas Longhorns allowed media to view its short practice in Orlando ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year's Eve against the Michigan Wolverines.
In the weeks following Chad Scott's firing as running backs coach for the Horns, four ball-carriers have entered the transfer portal, including oft-injured blue chip recruit C.J. Baxter and two-year starter Quintrevion Wisner.
So, who starts behind Arch Manning against the Maize and Blue?
Reporter Anwar Richardson noted that Christian Clark was receiving first-team reps throughout the offense's low-stress walkthrough on Saturday, suggesting that he will start for the Longhorns in the season finale.
Other insiders predict that young athlete Michael Terry will appear in the backfield at some point against Michigan, forming an audition-like rotation that gives head coach Steve Sarkisian an idea of what talent he retains for next season under new leadership.
Scott's replacement comes as former Florida coach Jabbar Juluke. The hire has ignited rumors of the Gators' standout rusher Jadan Baugh following his coach and entering the portal, but no fire has sparked amid the steam.
Juluke has gotten his tenure off to a notable start by impressing various reporters and players with his enthusiasm.
“He’s electric man. That guy is energy all the time. You can just feel it radiating from him," said senior offensive lineman Cole Hutson.
Juluke has gotten to work in the upcoming recruiting cycle, as well, by extending an offer to DeSoto High School star SaRod Baker, who dominated in Texas' 6A en route to a state championship with the Dallas-based powerhouse this month. Baker is a three-star prospect in the 2027 class.
For the meantime, another youngster is hoping to make the most of this opportunity to soar up the depth chart and compete on a national stage.
Clark, a redshirt freshman from Phoenix, missed the entire 2024 season after sustaining an Achilles injury in fall camp that required season-ending surgery. The news came just a week after Baxter's season ended before it began by needing knee surgery.
This season after recovering, the 6-foot ball-carrier appeared in seven games for the Longhorns as Wisner emerged as a bell cow starter.
Clark has totaled 131 rushing yards on 35 carries (3.7 YPC) with one touchdown in 2025. His career-highs of 13 carries, 62 yards and the lone touchdown came in Texas' blowout win over Sam Houston on Sep. 20.
He was a highly sought-after recruit in the southwestern region of the country as a top-10 overall prospect in Arizona as a senior at Mountain Pointe High School. Clark was ranked as the No. 177 recruit overall and No. 4 running back by Rivals in the class of 2024.
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