Jerrick Gibson’s exit from Texas Longhorns will ultimately be remembered as a story of lost potential
Four-star running back Jerrick Gibson’s departure from Texas marks the end of a promising yet unfulfilled chapter.
A surprising announcement came out of Austin Tuesday as four-star running back Jerrick Gibson officially left the Texas program. After two seasons of frustration and limited opportunity, the former No. 9-ranked back will retain his redshirt status and enter the transfer portal this winter. For a player who was once viewed as a potential cornerstone of the Longhorns’ backfield, it’s a disappointing end to what could have been a breakout career.
How Jerrick Gibson Fell Out of Texas’ Rotation
Once described by coach Steve Sarkisian as a physical, downhill runner with a talent for short-yardage situations, Gibson’s story reflects the challenge many young players face when trying to transition from promising freshman to dependable contributor.
As a true freshman, Gibson showed flashes of the raw talent that made him one of the nation’s top recruits. Last season, he capitalized on early-season injuries to make an impact during non-conference play, scoring touchdowns against Colorado State, Michigan, and Louisiana-Monroe while rushing for 75 yards on five carries in a win over UTSA.
Gibson’s best performance came in a blowout win over his hometown Florida Gators, when he broke the 100-yard mark for the first time. By the end of the 2024 season, he had totaled 78 carries for 377 yards and four touchdowns, setting high expectations for him to take on a bigger role in his sophomore year.
Unfortunately, that opportunity never came. In last weekend’s Red River Rivalry, Gibson received just one carry for negative yardage in Texas’ 23-6 win over Oklahoma. Over the course of the season, his role had steadily diminished, in part because of ball security issues. In Sarkisian’s offense, ball security and trust are everything, and once that confidence slips, it’s difficult to earn it back.
Throughout his Texas career, Gibson lost three fumbles, including a costly one in the Longhorns’ heartbreaking loss to the Florida Gators earlier this season. His physical tools were never in question. The problem was consistency, timing, and opportunity.
Texas’ depth at running back left little room for growing pains, and as others rose, Gibson’s window quietly closed. With CJ Baxter and Christian Clark healthy again this season, the competition for carries only intensified. Slipping into the background, it was only logical for Gibson to move on and find a program where he could regain recognition and opportunity.
Jerrick Gibson’s Departure Tests Texas’ Backfield Depth
Now, Texas must adjust without him. The Longhorns’ rotation will rely on Tre Wisner, Clark, and freshman James Simon to share the load, but the margin for error is thin. Baxter’s lingering injury issues create additional uncertainty, and an unexpected setback could leave the group vulnerable. Sarkisian and his staff could consider adding a veteran through the transfer portal, though midseason additions are rarely seamless. More likely, they will redistribute touches and lean on versatility to manage workloads.
Gibson’s time in Austin will be remembered for its lost potential, but his exit also sharpens the focus on what Texas must do next. The Longhorns still have the talent to contend, but maintaining balance in the backfield will determine whether this remains a minor roster shift or a test of their depth when it matters most.
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