Spring football has concluded, the transfer portal is closed, and June is here, signaling that college football is just around the corner. It’s been five months since Michigan clinched the national championship against Washington in Houston, and we’ve weathered the toughest part of the offseason. With less than three months to go before the season kicks off, Texas football and its fans are eagerly awaiting the action.
The 2024 college football season promises to be particularly thrilling due to significant changes, starting with the expanded College Football Playoff. The shift from a four-team to a 12-team playoff will ease regular-season pressures for fans, reducing the sting of early losses and offering more chances for teams to qualify. This new format means more teams will compete, including some with 9-3 records, which adds excitement and keeps the stakes high throughout the season.
Additionally, the playoff schedule for 2024 has been released, featuring 11 games over a month instead of just three in one week, ensuring an exciting postseason. Conference realignments are also transforming the landscape. The Pac-12 has disbanded, with teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the Big Ten; Cal and Stanford moving to the ACC; and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah transitioning to the Big 12. Meanwhile, Oklahoma and Texas are set to join the SEC.
These changes promise a dynamic and engaging season, even if they’re not universally popular. For Texas, despite the talent leading to some players transferring, they boast a solid core of returning starters and new talent ready to shine. One such player is CJ Baxter, who had a strong freshman season as the starting running back. Last year, he managed 659 yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries, and with another offseason to his credit, he’s poised for a breakout year.
With the Longhorns’ offense likely to remain pass-heavy, Baxter’s role in balancing the attack will be crucial, and his development as a sophomore could be a game-changer. Fans can look forward to seeing him make a significant impact in the upcoming season.