Baylor LB Phoenix Jackson plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Baylor linebacker Phoenix Jackson plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Jackson played in three games at Baylor this season before suffering a season-ending injury.

In his three appearances, he recorded nine total tackles. Jackson spent four years at Fresno State before transferring to Baylor. He redshirted during his true freshman season in 2021.

In the three seasons he played at Fresno State, Jackson amassed 109 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Jackson was the No. 134 linebacker in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

He played high school football at Central Catholic HS in Modesto, California. He notched 55 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack as a senior. For his efforts, he earned all-league honors.

Phoenix Jackson is the first Baylor player to announce his intent to transfer this offseason. The Bears won’t be playing in a bowl game this year after finishing the regular season with a 5-7 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play.

Baylor spiraled at the end of the regular season, losing its final three games. This season was Baylor head coach Dave Aranda‘s sixth at the helm of the program. He’s amassed a 36-37 record leading the Bears.

Baylor’s best season under Aranda was in 2021, when he guided the team to a 12-2 mark and a Big 12 conference title. In November, Baylor president Linda Livingstone announced Aranda will remain 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.”

Baylor is in a tumultuous moment as it searches for its next athletic director. In November, Baylor officially announced the departure of athletic director Mack Rhoades. He’d been the school’s AD since 2016.