Xavier

Newman

Newman went on IR with a neck injury early in the 2025 season. He appeared in five games, all as a backup. He will return as a depth option, having filled in for at least a few reps at all three interior line spots over his four-year career.

Newman, a rotational center, was carried off on a stretcher Sunday night against the Steelers after sustaining a neck injury. He’ll miss the remainder of the season.

Newman was hit hard in the neck/head while trying to make a tackle on an interception. Team doctors and teammates immediately surrounding him on the field. Medical personnel stabilized his neck and put him on a back board, indicating there was concern about his spine. Newman will be taken to Pittsburgh Medical Center, the local level 1 trauma center.

Newman-Johnson (6'2/315) was held out due to what was described by HC Dave Aranda in early September as an “off-field issue.” After missing two games the senior offensive lineman, who started eight games last season, is expected to be available when the Bears take on the Mountaineers. No decision has been made on fellow offensive linemen Blake Bedier and Jake Burton, who both missed Baylor’s 47-14 win over Kansas.

This isn’t expected to be a lingering issue, as HC Dave Aranda said on Monday that he expects Newman-Johnson (6'2/315) to be available for Week 2. The senior offensive lineman started eight of the ten games in which he appeared last season at right guard. With Newman-Johnson sidelined Baylor will turn to junior Blake Bedier at right guard, with freshman Micah Mazzccua listed as his backup.