Baylor LB Keaton Thomas plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Baylor linebacker Keaton Thomas plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He spent two seasons with the Bears.

Thomas transferred to Baylor ahead of the 2024 campaign after spending two seasons at Northeast Mississippi CC, a JUCO program. Thomas tallied 99 tackles, a sack, three pass breakups and an interception this season.

He was even more impressive in 2024, racking up 106 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pick. For his efforts, he was named an All-Big 12 First-Team selection.

Before coming to Baylor, Thomas was a standout at the JUCO level. In 2023 alone, Thomas notched 107 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. His 11.9 tackles per game were the second-most in the NJCAA.

In turn, Keaton Thomas was the No. 2 linebacker JUCO recruit in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He’ll immediately be one of the most sought-after defenders in the transfer portal this offseason.

Despite Thomas’ individual success, Baylor’s season was far from ideal. The Bears posted a 5-7 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play.

In November, the school’s athletic director, Mack Rhoades, stepped down due to “personal reasons.” Shortly after, Baylor president Linda Livingstone announced Dave Aranda will return as the program’s head coach next season.

“Our strength as a university has always come from our ability to stand together — students, alumni, faculty and staff, and fans — united by faith and shared purpose,” Livingstone wrote. “While opinions may differ, our commitment to supporting our student-athletes and representing Baylor with integrity must remain unwavering. Let us rally behind our team, encourage one another and demonstrate the unity that makes Baylor special.

“Your support — emotional, spiritual and financial — matters tremendously. Our student-athletes deserve a program that makes you proud, and we remain committed to building a team that competes for championships and reflects Baylor’s values.”

Keaton Thomas is the seventh Baylor player to announce his intent to enter the transfer portal this offseason. The Bears will have no choice but to attempt to restock up on talent this spring.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.