Baylor University's football team is experiencing a competitive battle for the Star position as the 2026 season approaches. Following the hiring of Joe Klanderman as the defensive coordinator, several players from Kansas State, including Coby McCalister, Ryan Davis, Jayden Rowe, and Daniel Cobbs, have joined the Bears, adding depth to the defense.
Among the returning players, Bo Onu and Daniel Cobbs are vying for the starting role at Star. Onu, a 6-foot, 210-pound safety, played 11 games as a true freshman last season, recording nine tackles. Klanderman noted Onu's development and expressed enthusiasm about his potential growth from year one to year two.
Despite initial assumptions about McCalister playing the Star position, he is now positioned as a safety, leaving the competition between Onu and Cobbs. Cobbs, who has experience under Klanderman with 415 total snaps last season, is seen as a strong contender.
Klanderman described the competition as very close, stating, "It's a really good race right now," and emphasized that both players have performed well without significant poor moments. He is confident that either player could handle crucial situations on the field.
Klanderman also mentioned his preference for rotating players to maintain their freshness throughout the season. He indicated that while one player may be listed as a starter, both Onu and Cobbs will receive significant playing time, with each contributing equally valuable snaps during games. "There's going to be a lot of battles like that, and I think that one's very close," Klanderman added.
