A Promising Rebuild
Baylor University’s offensive line has risen to the 45th spot in Steele’s latest top‑69 ranking of college football position groups, a milestone that underscores the progress of a program still in the early stages of a major rebuild.
The Bears lost four starters from last season, prompting a complete overhaul of the line’s personnel and scheme, and they have responded by bringing in a new position coach, Austin Woods, who previously spent four years as a starter at Oklahoma before joining the staff at USC.
A New Coaching Direction
Woods, now a permanent coach for Baylor, brings a blend of Big‑12 experience and a track record of developing talent, and his arrival coincides with the arrival of several transfers who are expected to provide immediate stability.
Among the newcomers, Kaden Sieracki stands out as the only returning starter with meaningful snaps, while transfers from Toledo, UAB and South Alabama — Cole Rhett, Logan Moore and Asher Hale — are slated to contribute depth and experience.
Key Transfers and Chemistry
Chemistry is identified as the linchpin for the unit; the coaching staff emphasizes rapid cohesion, knowing that a synchronized line can unlock the potential of a backfield led by playmaker DJ Lagway.
The schedule adds another layer of intrigue, with Baylor set to host BYU on November 14 and travel to face Texas Tech the following week, matchups that pit the Bears against conference rivals ranked higher in the same poll.
Conference Outlook
Conference powerhouses such as Cincinnati, BYU and Texas Tech occupy the upper echelons of the Big 12, while West Virginia and Houston sit just behind, making each Big 12 contest a test of the line’s readiness.
Even programs outside the Power Five, like North Dakota State, rank ahead of Baylor at 41st, highlighting the competitive landscape that the Bears must navigate.
Despite the challenges, the ranking places Baylor ahead of Alabama by 16 spots, suggesting that the rebuild may be more substantive than the “new‑look” label often applied to teams undergoing major turnover.