As the 2026 season nears, Baylor University's football team is witnessing a competitive battle for the Star position. The arrival of new defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has brought several players from Kansas State, enhancing the team's defensive depth.
Key contenders for the position include Bo Onu and Daniel Cobbs. Onu, a safety standing 6 feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, participated in 11 games as a true freshman last season, accumulating nine tackles. Klanderman has noted Onu's significant improvement and is optimistic about his development in the upcoming season.
Cobbs, who previously played under Klanderman, logged 415 total snaps last season and is also in contention for the starting role.
Klanderman remarked on the close nature of the competition, stating, "That's a really good race right now," and expressed confidence in both players' abilities during critical moments. Regardless of who is named the starter, Klanderman plans to utilize both Onu and Cobbs extensively, highlighting the value of keeping players fresh through rotation.
As the Bears gear up for their upcoming matchup against Auburn, the competition for the Star position remains a focal point of the team's defensive strategy, with further developments expected as the season unfolds.
