Baylor QB Chris Johnson to start Russell Athletic Bowl vs. UNC

Baylor quarterback Chris Johnson will start the Russell Athletic Bowl against North Carolina as Jarrett Stidham remains out with an ankle injury, coach Art Briles said Monday, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

“It doesn't look like [Stidham is] going to be ready,” Briles said.

Stidham, a freshman, stepped in for the Bears when starting quarterback Seth Russell was knocked out after seven games with a season-ending neck injury. Stidham started three games, two wins and one loss, before sustaining an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season’s two remaining games. Johnson started both of those games, both of which were losses.

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

• Four-star QB Hunter Johnson switches from Tennessee to Clemson

Johnson sustained a concussion in the season finale against Texas, but will be ready to start in the Dec. 29 bowl game. If Johnson were to sustain another injury against UNC, wide receiver Lynx Hawthorne would likely be called on to replace him, as he was for the second half of the loss to Texas.

Baylor is looking to snap a two–year bowl game losing streak.

- Erin Flynn

Add us as a preferred source on Google