Baylor's Offensive Line Faces Massive Reset Entering 2026

After heavy departures and coaching turnover, Baylor must rely on transfers and one returning starter to rebuild the offensive line.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Baylor's offensive line struggled to find consistency in 2025 despite having a lot of experienced talent. Now, the group faces a major reset with the departure of several key starters via graduation and the transfer portal. The Bears also have a new offensive line coach, Austin Woods, after the mid-season dismissal of Mason Miller last year. Baylor will be relying on a mix of transfers and one returning starter, Kaden Sieracki, to rebuild the offensive line and provide protection for their talented backfield and new quarterback DJ Lagway.

Why it matters

Baylor's offensive line play will be crucial to the team's success in 2026. With a trio of talented running backs and a new quarterback in Lagway, the offensive line needs to step up and create holes in the running game while also providing solid pass protection. The massive turnover on the line creates uncertainty, and Baylor's ability to quickly rebuild this unit will go a long way in determining if the offense can match its production from the past two seasons.

The details

Baylor lost several key starters from the 2025 offensive line, including right guard Omar Aigbedion, left guard Ryan Lengyel, center Coleton Price (who transferred to Kentucky), and right tackle Sean Thompkins (who landed at LSU). The Bears also had to replace offensive line coach Mason Miller, who was dismissed mid-season last year, with internal hire Austin Woods. The projected 2026 starting lineup features just one returning starter in left tackle Kaden Sieracki, while the rest of the line will feature a mix of transfers and young, inexperienced players.

  • Baylor offensive line coach Mason Miller was dismissed mid-season in 2025.
  • Austin Woods was announced as the new offensive line coach for Baylor entering the 2026 season.

The players

Kaden Sieracki

The lone returning starter on Baylor's offensive line, Sieracki played well at left tackle in 2025 and will be counted on as a leader for the rebuilt unit.

Cole Rhett

A transfer from Toledo, Rhett has starting experience and will likely anchor the right tackle position for Baylor in 2026.

Austin Woods

The new offensive line coach for Baylor, hired after the mid-season dismissal of Mason Miller in 2025.

DJ Lagway

Baylor's new starting quarterback in 2026, who will need strong protection from the rebuilt offensive line.

Dawson Pendergrass, Michael Turner, Caden Knighten

Baylor's talented trio of running backs who will rely on the offensive line to create holes and running lanes.

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What’s next

The Baylor offensive line will need to gel quickly during spring and fall practices in order to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. The development of the new starters, especially on the interior, will be crucial to watch as the team prepares to take on their Big 12 schedule.

The takeaway

Baylor's offensive line faces a massive reset heading into 2026 with the loss of several key starters and a new position coach. The Bears will need to quickly rebuild this unit through a mix of transfers and young players in order to provide the necessary protection and run blocking for their talented backfield and new quarterback. How quickly this group can come together will be a major factor in determining Baylor's offensive success next season.