CJ Baxter News, Rumors, Updates - Kentucky Wildcats

Modest day in loss to Tennessee Baxter tallied 11 rushes for 54 yards and gathered in all four targets for 19 yards during Saturday's 34-6 defeat to Tennessee.

Impact Baxter delivered a modest fantasy performance averaging 4.9 yards per carry, leading the Wildcats in rushing attempts and yards despite the team's offensive struggles. Although Baxter demonstrated reasonable efficiency on the ground, his longest carry went for just 11 yards, and Kentucky failed to score a touchdown throughout the contest. His four receptions provided a modest boost to his fantasy production, particularly in PPR formats, while his involvement in the passing game offered an encouraging indication of his versatility. However, Baxter's limited workload and Kentucky's inability to sustain scoring drives prevented him from delivering a more substantial fantasy performance. The Wildcats also distributed 14 carries between Jason Patterson and Jamarion Barnes, highlighting the competition for backfield touches. Baxter remains a viable fantasy flex option moving forward, particularly in PPR leagues, but Kentucky's crowded backfield and inconsistent offensive production could limit his weekly ceiling.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Set to play in Week 10 Baxter (shoulder) is set to suit up for Saturday's matchup versus Tennessee, per the SEC availability report.

Impact Baxter returned to practice this week and participated in full-contact drills, positioning him to return to action Saturday. The running back missed time while recovering from a shoulder sprain. He is expected to reclaim his role as a primary option in Kentucky's backfield, where he has recorded 487 rushing yards and eight touchdowns across seven games this season.

NOVEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Battling shoulder sprain Baxter (shoulder) is back at practice and partaking in full contact work, per Adam Luckett of Kentucky Sports Radio.

Impact Baxter got banged up against Vanderbilt, but had a bye week to recover and he's reportedly a full practice participant. We'll know more when the midweek SEC injury report drops, but the tailback is trending towards suiting up Saturday at Tennessee. He's notched 487 rushing yards and eight scores this fall with eight catches for 67 yards to boot.

NOVEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Not expected to be out long-term Kentucky's head coach Will Stein announced that Baxter (shoulder) did not suffer a long-term injury Saturday against Vanderbilt, Nick Roush of On3 reports.

Impact Baxter did not return to the Vanderbilt-Kentucky game Saturday, finishing with a three-yard carry and a five-yard reception. From a health perspective, the running back has at least an adequate chance of returning to log a full workload Nov. 7 at Tennessee. Baxter will have the benefit of an upcoming bye week to get some additional rest.

OCTOBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Hopeful for second half Baxter exited in the second quarter of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt and is "hopeful" to return in the second half, according to UK Sports Network.

Impact Baxter has been limited to one carry for three yards in this game, though Kentucky has used a committee approach, with six players combining for 13 carries and 62 rushing yards in the first half. If he's unable to return, Mikkel Skinner, Jovantae Barnes and Kenny Minchey should continue to handle most of the rushing opportunities.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to rock for Week 8 Baxter (undisclosed) has been given the green light for Saturday's matchup versus Vanderbilt, per the SEC availability report.

Impact Baxter, who was listed as probable on the team's initial report, has now been cleared to play Saturday versus Vanderbilt. It's great news for the Wildcats as Baxter has over 500 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns this season.

OCTOBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Status probable for Week 8 Baxter (undisclosed) holds a probable designation for Saturday's clash with Vanderbilt, per the SEC availability report.

Impact There was a chance that Baxter would play in Saturday's game, and it looks like there is more than a good chance now via the SEC availability report. With Kentucky on a tear, so has the running back, logging a touchdown in each of the Wildcats' five wins across six games this season.

OCTOBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Status probable for Week 8 Baxter (undisclosed) holds a probable designation for Saturday's clash with Vanderbilt, per the SEC availability report.

OCTOBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Could play Saturday Baxter (undisclosed) is back working and appears likely to be available for Saturday's game, according to Adam Luckett of KSR, who relayed comments from Kentucky head coach Will St...

Impact This is a positive step after Baxter missed Kentucky's last game against Oklahoma. If he's available Saturday, the Wildcats would get their lead running back to lead their rushing offense. Baxter has 87 carries for 484 yards and eight touchdowns this season, so having him back would give the Wildcats a huge boost offensively.

OCTOBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't play vs. Oklahoma Baxter (undisclosed) did not play during Saturday's contest against Oklahoma, but head coach Will Stein expects him back soon, per Tyler Thompson of On3.com.

Impact Baxter went through warmups ahead of kickoff Saturday, but the coaching staff chose not to risk him reaggravating his undisclosed injury. Stein also mentioned that he is confident Baxter will be up to speed for the team's next game against Vanderbilt. In his absence, Jason Patterson led the Wildcats backfield, notching 12 carries for 38 yards.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Saturday Baxter (undisclosed) is good to go for Saturday's matchup versus Oklahoma.

Impact Baxter was previously listed as a game-time decision but will suit up despite his injury. He has rushed for 484 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries this season and should continue to serve as the Wildcats' top running back versus the Sooners

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Game-time decision for Week 7 Baxter (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game at Oklahoma, Pete Nakos of On3 reports.

Impact There is optimism that Baxter will play Saturday, so his status before the Kentucky-Oklahoma game is worth monitoring. The running back has not sat out any games this season, and his presence has allowed him to log an excellent 87 rushing attempts for 484 yards and eight touchdowns in six games with the Wildcats. They are on an incredible run as of late, with wins over South Carolina and LSU, but their next opponent also bounced back with a win over previous No. 1 Texas, so Kentucky having Baxter will be crucial.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable ahead of Week 7 Baxter (undisclosed) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Sooners.

Impact Baxter may miss his first game of 2026 on Saturday against Oklahoma due to an undisclosed injury. The running back has been one of the Wildcats' top performers so far, recording 87 carries for 484 yards and eight touchdowns in his first six games.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Top-10 CFB Showstoppers From Week 6: Georgia's Offensive Line Shines vs. Alabama

Geoff Schwartz breaks down his 10 stars from Week 6 of the college football season.

OCTOBER 13 • FOX SPORTS

Top-10 CFB Showstoppers From Week 6: Georgia's Offensive Line Shines vs. Alabama

Big day in OT win over LSU Baxter tallied 19 rushes for 123 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 35-34 overtime win against LSU.

Impact Baxter was the engine that propelled the Wildcats offense against LSU. Baxter converted for two of the Wildcats three offensive touchdowns on the day and broke off several big gainers including a long of 77.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

A very emotional CJ Baxter thanked Kentucky for his career resurgence after epic night vs. LSU Do yourself a favor and watch CJ Baxter pour his heart out after Kentucky’s emotional win over LSU.

OCTOBER 12 • ASEAOFBLUE.COM

Touchdown in win over South Carolina Baxter notched 13 carries for 48 yards and one touchdown and gathered in 3 of 4 targets for 20 yards during Saturday's 35-34 overtime win versus South Carolina.

Impact After a huge performance last week Baxter had a bit of a down day rushing for less than four yards per carry for the first time since week two against Alabama. With the Wildcats down 10 at halftime, Kentucky opted to lean on the passing game a bit more in the second half and it paid off for them but dug into some of Baxter's use. Baxter was able to cash in for the Wildcats lone first half touchdown.

OCTOBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Touchdown in win over USA Baxter notched 16 rushes for 149 yards and one touchdown and caught 1 of 2 targets for negative one yard during Saturday's 45-21 victory against South Alabama.

Impact Baxter continues to split work with Jason Patterson however continues to slightly outpace his stablemate in workload. Baxter received 16 carries to 12 for Patterson and out gained him 149 to 137.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

CJ Baxter loved seeing former rival Jovantae Barnes shine vs. South Alabama This is what being teammates is all about.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ASEAOFBLUE.COM

CJ Baxter and Jason Patterson are becoming the 1-2 punch Kentucky Football needs This was Baxter’s second multi-score game this season, but it’s Patterson who continues to break the big runs.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ASEAOFBLUE.COM

Two touchdowns in win over TAMU Baxter tallied 19 rushes for 87 yards and two touchdowns and gathered in their only target for 28 yards during Saturday's 31-21 victory versus Texas A&M.

Impact Baxter had a very solid day running for over four yards a carry and finding the end zone twice. Baxter seems to have regained his footing after a tough game against Alabama last week. Baxter should continue to see solid workload moving forward as he now has four touchdowns on the season.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Mike Elko after Kentucky loss: 'No positives' as No. 9 Texas A&M fades after halftime

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko was blunt in his assessment of the Aggies after their 31-21 loss to Kentucky

SEPTEMBER 20 • Associated Press

Kentucky stuns No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21 in coach Will Stein's first road game

Kenny Minchey threw two touchdown passes and CJ Baxter added two scoring runs as Kentucky used a huge third quarter to stun No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21

SEPTEMBER 19 • Associated Press

How to watch Kentucky vs Texas A&M: Live stream College Football, NCAA, TV channel No. 9 Texas A&M will look to stay perfect through the first three weeks of the season when it faces its first SEC opponent, Kentucky, on Sat...

SEPTEMBER 19 • THEBIGLEAD.COM

No. 7 LSU sputters in Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss, giving the SEC a pair of top-10 losers

Lane Kiffin’s much-hyped return to Mississippi ended with a fourth-down failure

SEPTEMBER 19 • Associated Press

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Top-10 CFB Showstoppers From Week 6: Georgia's Offensive Line Shines vs. Alabama

Mike Elko after Kentucky loss: 'No positives' as No. 9 Texas A&M fades after halftime

Kentucky stuns No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21 in coach Will Stein's first road game

No. 7 LSU sputters in Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss, giving the SEC a pair of top-10 losers