As the 2026 season approaches, Baylor University's football team is engaged in a notable competition 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 during his freshman season, where he made nine tackles. Klanderman has recognized Onu's marked improvement and is optimistic about his growth in the upcoming season.
Cobbs, who has previously worked with Klanderman, logged 415 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' capabilities to excel in critical moments. He plans to make use of both Onu and Cobbs throughout the season, emphasizing the strategy of rotating players to keep them fresh.
He noted that having two players each contributing 35 snaps can be significantly beneficial.