Baylor’s football program is undergoing a major overhaul as the 2026 season approaches, with the Bears adding 32 players through the transfer portal while also seeing 32 departures. The influx of talent is designed to close the gap left by the departure of several key contributors and to push the team back into contention.
Among the new faces is DJ Lagway, a former five‑star quarterback who transferred from the Florida Gators. Lagway is expected to lead the offense and provide a spark for the Bears’ attack.
Defensive Line Reinforcements
The defensive line receives a boost with the arrival of Garrick Ponder, a former Kansas State Wildcats edge rusher who spent the 2025 season at Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Ponder recorded 37 tackles, 11.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, earning an 80.9 grade from Pro Football Focus and ranking second among pass rushers on the Golden Eagles with a 79.5 grade.
Joining Ponder is Jamaal Whyce Jr., a 6‑foot‑4, 311‑pound defensive lineman who began his college career at Marshall. In 11 starts as a nose tackle, Whyce posted 34 tackles, six for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery, bringing size and experience to Baylor’s front.
Another interior presence is Hosea Wheeler, a former Indiana Hoosiers starter who is expected to contribute on the line. Wheeler’s collegiate experience adds depth to a unit that lost its top three edge rushers from the previous season.
Versatile Receiving Threat
On the offensive side, Baylor welcomes Gavin Freeman, a 5‑foot‑9 slot receiver who came from the Wyoming Cowboys. In 2025 Freeman caught 53 passes for 481 yards and four touchdowns, and he also contributed in the running game and as a return specialist, giving the Bears added versatility.
Coach Jake Spavital has indicated that Freeman will be used in multiple ways, positioning him as an experienced target for DJ Lagway in a receiving corps that will rely on four to five primary options in 2026.
Depth and Outlook
The Bears will also lean on Ryan Davis, another transfer edge rusher who is expected to pair with Ponder on the defensive line, while Joe Klanderman is likely to rotate heavily, forming a strong run‑stopping duo with Whyce and Wheeler. The combination of these additions aims to restore Baylor’s competitiveness and give the program a deeper, more versatile roster heading into the new season.