WACO, Texas — Baylor running back Dawson Pendergrass will miss the entire 2025 football season after suffering a foot injury that will require surgery, head coach Dave Aranda announced Saturday during media availability following the Bears’ first fall practice at McLane Stadium.
Pendergrass, a key piece of Baylor’s offensive backfield in 2024, played in all 13 games last season, forming a dynamic one-two punch with freshman Bryson Washington. The duo made Baylor one of only three Power Four programs to boast both a 1,000-yard and a 600-yard rusher during the regular season.
The rising junior finished the 2024 year with 121 carries for 671 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, while adding 11 receptions for 103 yards and one receiving score. He averaged 51.6 rushing yards per game and 59.5 yards in all-purpose yardage.
His versatility was on full display in the Texas Bowl against LSU, where he carried the load after an early injury to Washington. Pendergrass rushed 21 times for 63 yards and two touchdowns while also catching three passes for 26 yards.
The loss of Pendergrass puts added pressure on Baylor’s running back room, with Washington expected to shoulder an even larger role heading into the 2025 campaign.
Baylor RB Dawson Pendergrass will miss the entire 2025 football season after suffering a foot injury that will require surgery.
He played in all 13 games last season, forming a dynamic one-two punch with Bryson Washington. This has now put pressure on the RB room. @KCENSports pic.twitter.com/oCvfU6BQqh
— Madison Palumbo (@MadisonTPalumbo) August 10, 2025