News Flash: Texas Star Running Back CJ Baxter Announces Wedding with Longhorns Basketball Standout Jordana Codio…
Austin, Texas — In a stunning and heartwarming announcement that has captivated the University of Texas and the entire college sports community, CJ Baxter, the explosive Texas Longhorns running back, has officially revealed his upcoming wedding to Jordana Codio, a rising star on the Texas women’s basketball team. The announcement comes as both athletes are at the peak of their collegiate careers and has stirred up a wave of excitement across the nation.
Baxter made the announcement via a heartfelt video posted to his social media platforms, showing clips of him and Codio at various iconic Texas landmarks, from the UT Tower to the stadium tunnel at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. The video ended with the words: “Forever begins here. She said yes. #HookEm4Life.”
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A Love Story Born in Burnt Orange
The relationship between CJ Baxter and Jordana Codio is a true Texas love story, built on shared dedication, athletic ambition, and a mutual respect that has grown over the years. The two reportedly met in early 2023 during a university charity event involving both the football and basketball teams.
What started as friendly banter quickly grew into mutual admiration. Codio, known for her leadership and intense on-court presence, and Baxter, the lightning-fast running back with a smooth swagger and powerful drive, were seen as two of the most promising athletes on campus. Over time, their connection strengthened, quietly turning into one of the most admired relationships in UT athletics.
According to close sources, Baxter proposed during a private dinner held at the UT alumni rooftop lounge overlooking the city skyline. Codio, visibly emotional, said yes as friends and family emerged from hiding to join in the celebration.
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Who Is CJ Baxter?
CJ Baxter, a former five-star recruit from Orlando, Florida, was a major pickup for the Longhorns and quickly made a name for himself during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Known for his powerful running style, shifty footwork, and clutch performances in big games, Baxter is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in college football.
His dedication to the team, his leadership in the locker room, and his grounded personality have made him a fan favorite not only in Austin but across the college football landscape. With the Longhorns making waves as they transition fully into the SEC, Baxter is expected to be a central figure in their offensive scheme for the 2025 season.
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Who Is Jordana Codio?
Jordana Codio is no less remarkable. A former high school standout also hailing from Florida, Codio was a nationally ranked guard before joining the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball program. Known for her court vision, explosive handles, and lockdown defense, Codio quickly established herself as one of the anchors of the Lady Longhorns’ backcourt.
Her leadership on the court has been pivotal to the team’s resurgence in recent seasons, and she has been praised for her work ethic and resilience in balancing academics, athletics, and leadership roles within the university’s student-athlete community.
Codio is also active off the court, engaging in several outreach programs for young female athletes and speaking often about the importance of education, mental health, and community involvement. She’s been widely respected as more than just a player — she’s a role model.
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Fan Reactions: “The Royal Couple of Texas Athletics”
Following the announcement, social media lit up with celebratory messages from fans, teammates, and university officials. Within hours, #CJandJordana and #HookEmLove were trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans referring to the couple as “Texas’ Royal Couple.”
> “Two incredible athletes. Two amazing people. One unforgettable love story,” wrote one fan on X.
> “When your running back and your point guard are getting married, that’s a win for the entire university,” another commented.
Even Longhorns head coaches weighed in. Football Head Coach Steve Sarkisian offered his congratulations in a statement:
> “CJ is not only a fierce competitor but also a man of integrity and maturity. We’re thrilled for him and Jordana and wish them every happiness in this next chapter.”
Texas Women’s Basketball Coach Vic Schaefer also responded:
> “Jordana is a pillar of strength and discipline on and off the court. We’ve watched her grow not just as a player but as a person. Her engagement to CJ is a beautiful moment for the Longhorn family.”
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A New Chapter: Marriage and Athletics
While the engagement is undoubtedly joyful news, it also marks the beginning of a unique balancing act for both athletes. With busy schedules, intense training, and academic demands, marriage is a major step that will require added strength and communication. But those close to the couple say that’s where Baxter and Codio shine the brightest.
“They’ve always supported each other’s dreams,” said a teammate. “Even on the toughest days — after tough losses, hard practices — they show up for one another.”
The university has confirmed it will support the couple in any way possible, including housing accommodations, family services, and flexibility with schedules. It’s a first-of-its-kind move for Texas Athletics, recognizing the unique demands of two married student-athletes competing at elite levels.
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NIL and Branding Opportunities
With the wedding on the horizon, industry experts also point out that CJ and Jordana’s union presents a powerful opportunity in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. Already, major brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Apple Music are rumored to be considering endorsements that capitalize on their story of love and excellence in college sports.
An inside source revealed that a potential reality docuseries is also being pitched, focusing on their life as a married athletic couple navigating the pressures of high-level college competition.
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When’s the Big Day?
While the couple hasn’t revealed an exact date, sources close to them say the wedding is planned for Summer 2025, shortly after the conclusion of the NCAA basketball and football seasons. The ceremony is expected to be held in Austin, with invitations going out to teammates, coaches, family, alumni, and several prominent figures from the sports world.
Rumors also swirl that the wedding may be live-streamed for fans — something unprecedented in Texas athletics history.
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Final Thoughts
CJ Baxter and Jordana Codio have already accomplished so much on the field and the court. But now, with marriage on the horizon, they’re setting an example of love, partnership, and commitment that goes far beyond sports. Their union is more than a headline — it’s a celebration of everything student-athletes can be: champions, scholars, leaders, and now, partners for life.
In a world often obsessed with stats and rankings, CJ and Jordana remind us of the human side of sports — where love can blossom under stadium lights, and where “Hook ‘Em” means family in every sense of the word.
Congratulations to CJ Baxter and Jordana Codio — the first couple of Texas athletics. May your journey be filled with victories, joy, and an unbreakable bond.
Hook ‘Em Forever.
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