Baylor's fears have come true, as quarterback Seth Russell needs neck surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2015 season, the school announced.
Russell suffered damage to the cervical vertebra near the end of Saturday's win over Iowa State. He saw a specialist Monday and received the surgery recommendation.
"Seth exemplifies the spirit and will of our football team," coach Art Briles said in a statement, "and through this our team will keep that spirit alive and well for him."
The typical recovery period for the surgery is six months, Baylor said.