BYU basketball guard Dawson Baker has been diagnosed with a torn ACL along with a series of additional knee and bone injuries, according to information shared by reporter Mitch Harper in December 2/1. The senior guard's injury list includes a torn lateral meniscus, grade 2 MCL and LCL sprains, and small impact fractures.
Extensive Injury List
The extent of the injuries reported by Harper includes mild proximal lateral collateral ligament (PLC) involvement, bone bruising, and various muscle and tendon strains. The diagnosis was originally shared via social media platforms following Baker's announcement on Instagram.
Recent Season Performance
Baker, a 6-foot-4 senior from Coto De Caza, California, has been a significant contributor to the Cougars' rotation. During his 2025-26 season, he appeared in six games and recorded two starts, averaging 19.8 minutes per game. His statistical profile for that season included 7.5 points per game, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from three-point range.
Collegiate Career History
The senior guard's career has been marked by high-scoring performances, particularly during his time at UC Irvine. Before joining BYU, Baker was the Big West Freshman of the Year for the 2020-21 season and earned All-Big West Second Team honors in 2022-23. During his junior year at UC Irvine, he led the team with a scoring average of 15.3 points per game.
In his three years with the Cougars, Baker appeared in 46 games, including two starts. He recorded a BYU-high 22 points in a victory over Queens and earned Academic All-Big 12 honors in both 2025 and 2026.
Notable Game Contributions
Baker's recent game logs show him active in high-stakes matchups, including a 72-62 victory over the Miami Hurricanes on November 27, 2025. During that contest, Baker recorded a layup and a missed layup as part of his contribution to the win at State Farm Field House.
In addition to his scoring, Baker's play has been characterized by efficiency from the free-throw line. According to career statistics, he has maintained an 80 percent lifetime free-throw average across 125 total collegiate games.
Personal Background
Beyond the basketball court, Baker's background includes significant personal and academic achievements. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology in April 2025 and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Micronesia, Guam, where he learned to speak Chuukese.
He is the son of Carise and Dave Baker, and his family has deep ties to Utah basketball; his brother Dusty played for Weber State, while his brother Davis played for Southern Utah.
Impact on BYU Rotation
As the Cougars navigate the loss of Baker's veteran presence, the team continues to rely on a rotation that includes players like Richie Saunders and Kennard Davis Jr. The injury news comes as the program manages its roster following a season that saw significant defensive and offensive contributions from the guard position.
