Baylor Linebackers Face Uphill Battle After Transfer Portal Losses

Baylor's linebacker corps must rebuild after key starters depart for other programs.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Baylor's linebacker room enters the 2026 season with significant turnover, as the Bears lost standout players Keaton Thomas and Phoenix Jackson to the transfer portal. While the unit has some promising young talent like Kaleb Burns, the departures of Thomas and Jackson leave major holes that will need to be filled by a mix of experienced veterans and unproven newcomers.

Why it matters

Linebacker is a critical position on Baylor's defense, and the losses of Thomas and Jackson will force the Bears to rebuild this group from the ground up. The success of Baylor's defense in 2026 could hinge on how well the new-look linebacker corps performs, making this a pivotal offseason for the program.

The details

Baylor's linebacker room was already thin in 2025 due to early-season injuries to Phoenix Jackson and Travion Barnes. The situation worsened when Keaton Thomas, the star of the group, decided to transfer to Ole Miss, and Jackson also left the program for Arkansas. The Bears have reloaded through the transfer portal, adding Kedric Walker from Georgia State and Anthony Crenshaw Jr. from Conference USA, but replacing the production of Thomas and Jackson will be a major challenge.

  • Keaton Thomas transferred to Ole Miss following the 2025 season.
  • Phoenix Jackson left Baylor for Arkansas after the 2025 campaign.

The players

Keaton Thomas

The star linebacker who led Baylor's defense in 2025 before transferring to Ole Miss.

Phoenix Jackson

A key member of Baylor's linebacker corps who also departed the program via the transfer portal, landing at Arkansas.

Travion Barnes

A veteran linebacker who missed significant time in 2025 due to injury.

Kaleb Burns

A promising young linebacker who emerged as a bright spot for Baylor's defense as a freshman in 2025.

Kedric Walker

A transfer addition from Georgia State who will look to make an immediate impact for the Bears.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Baylor's linebacker corps faces a significant rebuilding effort in 2026 after losing key starters Keaton Thomas and Phoenix Jackson to the transfer portal. The Bears will need to rely on a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent to fill the void, making this a critical offseason for the program as it looks to field a competent defense and contend in the Big 12.