CJ Baxter: 247| High school| Injury| Mia Scott| Texas| Girlfriend

Introduction

CJ Baxter — once one of the most highly touted recruits in his class — has become a compelling story of promise, adversity and potential rebirth at Texas Longhorns. From his early days as a standout on recruiting boards like 247Sports to his injury-plagued seasons, Baxter’s journey has drawn attention not only for his athletic talent but also his personal resilience, support system, and relationship with Mia Scott — a national champion on the Texas softball team.

From 247 Star to Texas Backfield: Early Promise

• Hailing from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, Baxter was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports composite rankings.

• Upon committing to Texas, he quickly became a rare “true-freshman starter” for the Longhorns, a notable feat previously achieved only by storied names such as Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell.

• In his freshman season of 2023, Baxter responded to expectations: he carried the ball 138 times for 659 yards and five touchdowns, and added 24 catches for 156 receiving yards — a strong foundation for a young RB in a major program.

His early performance validated the hype and raised hopes that he could be a workhorse for Texas for years to come.

The Injury Setback: Knee Surgery and a Lost Season

• In fall camp 2024, during a routine practice, Baxter suffered a knee injury — later diagnosed as tears to the LCL and PCL in his right knee — forcing him to undergo season-ending surgery.

• The injury robbed him of a full season of development and game experience, creating uncertainty around his future durability and effectiveness at the collegiate level.

• In a heartfelt letter to his Texas teammates published afterward, Baxter admitted the road was difficult: he recounted the moment he heard the “pop” and described the mental toll, reflecting on worry whether he’d be “the same player” again.

That injury — often a career-altering event for running backs — threatened to derail what looked like a bright future.

Recovery, Resilience & Return — With a Motivational Boost

• During rehab, Baxter leaned on faith, persistence, and his support circle: trainers, coaches, family — but especially his girlfriend, Mia Scott, whose own resilience became a source of inspiration.

• Scott, a star on the Texas softball team, helped her program win the national title in 2025 — even while reportedly playing on a torn ACL.

• Baxter openly credits her mindset: “When there were days I didn’t want to get up … she made me get up.” That influence reportedly helped him push through rehab and reclaim confidence in his body.

• He returned to full-contact practice drills in 2025, and his comeback was taken seriously enough that he was named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award as well as the Comeback Player of the Year Award. 

For Baxter, the pain of surgery and rehab seems to have turned into a renewed hunger — partly to “win one for himself,” inspired by Scott’s championship trophy that now sits on his nightstand.

2025 Season — Pressure, Setbacks, and Hope

• The 2025 campaign has been a roller-coaster. On one hand, there was cause for optimism: Baxter had worked hard, regained enough confidence for contact drills, and looked physically ready.

• On the other hand, he suffered a hamstring injury in the first game against UTEP Miners — after a six-yard run — and left the field limping, not returning.

• The injury forced him to miss the following game (against Sam Houston Bearkats) at least as a precaution.

• Still, the resilience and support story remains. Coaches have praised his work ethic and maturity; mental growth and “student of the game” tendencies — formed during recovery — might help him contribute positively even as he carefully manages his health. 

Baxter’s 2025 is less about immediate glory and more about rebuilding — both physically and mentally — hoping to recapture the momentum he once had.

The Power Couple: CJ Baxter & Mia Scott

• Baxter’s relationship with Mia Scott has drawn attention, especially after she helped bring a national championship to Texas softball in 2025.

• Their bond seems deeply rooted in mutual resilience: both have experienced serious injuries — Scott played through a torn ACL to win it all, though reportedly she didn’t opt for surgery, while Baxter underwent knee ligament surgery and rehab.

• Social-media and fan interest spiked when Baxter came onto the field at the softball championship to celebrate with Scott — famously draping his signature C4 diamond chain around her neck — a symbolic gesture celebrating both athletic achievement and support.

• For Baxter, Scott isn’t just a partner — she’s motivation. He has said that seeing her trophy every morning reminds him “I gotta get one.”

Their story isn’t just about sports — it’s about two young athletes at elite levels pushing each other through success and adversity.

What’s Next for CJ Baxter

• The path forward for Baxter will be one of careful management: balancing his drive to prove himself with the physical realities of prior ligament injury and recent hamstring trouble.

• He aims not just for playing time but impact: if he can stay healthy and tap into both his talent and mental growth during rehab, he could still become a key part of Texas’ backfield rotation — especially given his versatility (rushing + receiving) and work ethic.

• On a personal level, the support from Mia Scott — and the shared narrative of overcoming injury — could remain a strong motivator, possibly fueling a comeback that matches his early-career promise.

• Ultimately, Baxter’s story will continue to resonate — as a cautionary tale about injury in elite sports, but also as a hopeful story about resilience, growth, and the power of support.

Conclusion

CJ Baxter’s journey — from a top-rated recruit on 247Sports, to rising star at Texas, to injury setback, and now to a comeback attempt buoyed by personal support and inner resolve — encapsulates the highs and lows many young athletes face. Add to that the human element: a relationship with a national-champion softball player, shared adversity and shared motivation, and you get more than just a player trying to reclaim his prime — you get a personal story of resilience, growth, and hope.