California cornerback Tim Mixon will miss the regular season after tearing a ligament in his right knee while returning a punt during Thursday’s scrimmage.

Mixon, a senior and one of the nation’s top punt returners, intercepted three passes last season, though he was frequently targeted by opposing offenses who stayed away from fellow starter Daymeion Hughes.

Mixon was injured on a non-contact play.

"He did not get hit; he just planted and his knee gave out," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.

The Golden Bears open the season Sept. 2 at Tennessee.

Redshirt freshman Syd’Quan Thompson or senior Randy Bundy likely will start in Mixon’s place.