The Texas Longhorns and Kentucky matchup in week 8 might not look like a marquee matchup, considering Kentucky is 2-3 on the season. But the uncertainty around Texas and losses piling against Florida and Ohio State will bring out an intense battle. Texas will need to win the game to keep its playoff hopes alive. Whereas the environment at the Kroger Field will be intimidating as always. And the dynamics are evening out a bit more, as the SEC announced the injury list for the game.

Texas had already lost its ace offensive lineman, Cole Hutson, to an injury this season. Center Connor Robertson is expected to replace him and take the field against Kentucky. It would not be a major loss, however, since Robertson has gained veteran experience over the years and is expected to continue the O-line dominance Texas showed against Oklahoma. Head coach Steve Sarkisian also isn’t much concerned.

“He (Roberston) has been in the system, so there’s not a look or a call that he can’t make to get everybody on the same page. So, when you talk about continuity, it’s not like we’re throwing a new guy in there at center. This guy’s been in the program, he’s been in the system, he knows all the calls, so we’re very comfortable with him that way,” said Sarkisian. While Texas might be expected to cope at center, other injuries might not be too favorable.

Wide receiver Aaron Butler, defensive back Xavier Filsaime, and Jonathan Cunningham are officially out for the Kentucky game. Whereas defensive lineman Maraad Watson has doubts surrounding him, and is listed as “questionable.” Apart from that, Texas has also lost offensive lineman Connor Stroh for the game, and redshirt junior Neto Umeozulu most likely will replace him. However, the most concerning update for the Texas Longhorns is still the uncertainty regarding RB CJ Baxter.

“Baxter Jr. is battling a hamstring injury and is unlikely to take the field for the Longhorns,” reported covers.com, in a major blow to Texas. Notably, Baxter also missed the majority of the 2024 season and had suffered an injury against UTEP on September 13th. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, although he has dubbed Baxter’s injury being not “significant.” But he still ruled him out from a cautionary standpoint.

“Hamstring injury. We don’t think it’s overly significant, but he’ll be out this week from a precautionary standpoint to hopefully get him ready for SEC play,” said Steve Sarkisian. This year, Baxter has featured in 3 games, including against Ohio State, where he rushed for 40 yards. In total, the sophomore running back has notched up 110 yards this year at 4.6 yards per carry. In his absence, other RBs like Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark will take up rushing responsibilities. Now, coming to Kentucky, the team has also announced a long list of injuries.

Injury updates for the Kentucky Wildcats

Among the injuries reported for Kentucky. Running back Jamarion Wilcox, linebacker Jacob Smith, and defensive back Nassir Addison are out for the Texas game. Apart from them, linebacker Devin Smith, DL Nic Smith, WR David Washington Jr., and tight end Elijah Brown are also not expected to make the field. The injuries are a major blow for Kentucky, who desperately want to turn around the season after a 14-35 loss against Georgia in Week 7.

Despite that, Kentucky will have its key player, DJ Waller, back in the secondary, who had last played against Toledo in Week 1. “Hopefully, we’ll get DJ Waller back…That’s one of our big guys that has some great length at corner. Hopefully, he’ll be back at full strength. He was out there today. He looks good,” said Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops. Despite Waller’s return, though, some players still look questionable for the team.

Wide receiver Troy Stellato is still questionable for the Texas game. Whereas Jaden Smith and Aba Selm are expected to return for the Week 8 game, although some concerns remain. All in all, both teams are marred by widespread injuries. And we should expect a tense game at Lexington when Texas comes to save its season.