CJ Baxter Powered Kentucky Victory Over LSU
The running back recorded 123 yards and two touchdowns to help Kentucky secure a 35-34 overtime win.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football
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Kentucky running back CJ Baxter delivered a standout performance in a narrow 35-34 overtime victory against LSU. Baxter finished the game with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Why it matters
The performance represents a significant return to form for Baxter following an injury-riddled 2025 season and a severe knee injury sustained during 2024. His production has been central to Kentucky's offensive output this year.
Baxter has accumulated 484 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season, maintaining an average of 5.6 yards per carry. These figures follow a 2025 campaign where he was limited to 196 yards on 54 carries.
The players
CJ Baxter
He is a running back for the Kentucky football team who previously played for Texas.
Kentucky
This is the university football program where the running back currently plays.
LSU
This is the university football program that faced Kentucky in a competitive overtime matchup.
Texas
This is the university where the player began his college football career.
The details
Baxter, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 230 pounds, transferred to Kentucky seeking a fresh start after beginning his college career at Texas, where he rushed for 659 yards as a freshman. He successfully completed physical rehabilitation following surgery to repair three of four knee ligaments torn during an August 2024 practice.
Timeline
Baxter emerged as a standout freshman at Texas in 2023.
He tore three knee ligaments during a practice on August 6, 2024.
The 2025 season was marked by injury-related limitations for the running back.
Kentucky defeated LSU in an overtime game in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
This victory improves Kentucky's standing in the conference and signals that Baxter has reclaimed his role as a featured back. His ability to produce consistently could be the deciding factor in the team's pursuit of a postseason bowl appearance.
Baxter's workload and health status are now key factors for those tracking player prop betting markets and fantasy rosters. His 5.6 yards-per-carry average establishes him as a high-efficiency option for the remaining schedule.
The takeaway
Players recovering from multiple ligament tears often face significant challenges in returning to elite form. Baxter's recent performance suggests that dedicated rehabilitation and a change in team environment have helped him successfully navigate his comeback.
Further reading
Find more updates on the team at Lexington Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 247Sports.
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