Jacob Bayer

Early life

Bayer is from Grandview, Texas. He attended Grandview High School where he played as an offensive lineman and was named first-team all-county and all-state. He helped them win a state championship in 2019 and was also an academic all-district selection. He was also an all-state powerlifter and discus thrower, placing second in the 2022 THSPA state championship. A two-star recruit, he committed to play college football for the Lamar Cardinals.

College career

Bayer started all 11 games for Lamar as a freshman in 2021, playing center. He then started all 11 games again in 2022 for the Cardinals, before opting to enter the NCAA transfer portal after the season, eventually committing to the Arkansas State Red Wolves. With the Red Wolves in 2023, he started 12 games at center and was named first-team All-Sun Belt Conference (SBC). He became the first All-SBC offensive lineman at Arkansas State since 2018. He suffered a torn ACL during the spring practices in 2024, but was able to return to action by the second game of the season, marking one of the fastest full ACL tear recoveries in college football history. He started the final 12 games of the season and was named second-team All-SBC, as well as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. In his last two years, Bayer helped the Red Wolves to two bowl game appearances. He was invited to the 2025 Senior Bowl at the conclusion of his collegiate career.