Kentucky places Baxter, Gates and Greene on 2026 comeback watch list

What Happened

Kentucky running back CJ Baxter Jr., defensive back Aaron Gates and outside linebacker Sam Greene were named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list. The College Sports Communicators, the Associated Press and the Fiesta Sports Foundation included the three Wildcats among 94 total contenders from 59 schools. Baxter transferred from Texas after tearing the ACL, LCL and PCL in his right knee in 2024 before suffering a hamstring injury early in 2025. Gates transferred from Florida after a late-2024 ACL tear and a 2025 labrum tear. Greene was also named after returning from a significant injury. No official Kentucky comment was provided.

Why It Matters

• Baxter’s return gives Kentucky a back with 855 career rushing yards and five touchdowns across 22 games, though his availability must come before any production claim.
• Gates is expected to handle Kentucky’s versatile star position, making his recovery part of the defense’s personnel plan rather than a ceremonial watch-list entry.
• Greene’s inclusion adds another returning player to a Kentucky roster managing multiple injury comebacks.

THE PATE STATE READ

Credit the task before judging the players. Baxter has to come back from a major knee injury and a later hamstring issue. Gates has to return from two separate injuries while moving into a hybrid defensive role. That is a severe workload before either player reaches the award conversation. The watch list changes attention, not the depth chart. Kentucky’s real test arrives when Baxter takes contact and Gates handles the star position in live football. If both clear those moments, the list starts carrying weight. If not, it was only preseason paperwork.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• 2026 preseason — Kentucky’s first practices will show whether Baxter, Gates and Greene are participating in football work.
• 2026 season opener — Baxter’s contact workload and Gates’ first snaps at the star position are the first on-field checks.
• 2026 award season — the Comeback Player of the Year field will narrow after the regular season begins.