By Jeffrey Cohen | Sports Editor
Senior safety Jacob Redding will miss all of the 2026 season with a torn ACL, according to Grayson Grundhoefer of Sicem365.
Redding was initially listed as Baylor’s starting strong safety in the team’s depth chart that was released on Wednesday. Fifth-year safety Devin Turner will move into that starting spot with Redding out for the season. Fifth-year Michael Allen, as well as junior Tyler Turner and senior Micah Gifford, could see more playing time as they will step up in the safety room.
The development came less than two hours before the Bears are set to face off against Auburn in the Aflac Kickoff Game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
Redding broke onto the scene for the Bears as a junior in 2025, leading the team with three interceptions, including a notable interception in Baylor’s overtime win over SMU in week two and a pick-six against Kansas State last year. He also recorded 53 tackles, which ranked third on the team.
He was expected to assume a leadership role on the team, becoming one of 10 players on the team to be voted for receiving a single-digit jersey number.
“My goal is to do whatever the team needs, my room needs, whatever the defense needs to win football games,” Redding said.
Now being sidelined for the year, he will look to help develop the rest of the safeties who will step up in his absence.
