Baylor’s defense just took a significant hit. Linebacker Keaton Thomas, the team’s leading tackler and one of the most dependable players on the roster, has officially entered the transfer portal.
And make no mistake - this isn’t just a depth chart shuffle. This is a foundational piece walking out the door.
Thomas was the kind of linebacker every defensive coordinator wants in the middle of their unit. He wasn’t padding stats or freelancing for flashy plays.
He was doing the dirty work - filling gaps, cleaning up missed assignments, and consistently putting himself in the right position. His 99 tackles this season weren’t just a number - they were a reflection of how often he was exactly where Baylor needed him to be.
In a season where Baylor’s defense struggled to find its rhythm, Thomas was one of the few constants. He logged heavy snaps and brought a level of steadiness that’s tough to replace, especially with the Bears lacking proven depth behind him. This isn’t a plug-and-play situation - Baylor can’t just slide in the next guy and expect the same production or leadership.
The timing of Thomas’ departure adds another layer of intrigue. Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine also hit the portal recently, and there’s already buzz that Baylor could be a serious player for him.
The connection makes sense: Romaine played under new Baylor defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman at Kansas State. If that reunion happens, it could be a big win for both sides.
Romaine had a breakout season and plays a similar style - physical, smart, and reliable in the middle of the field.
But even if Romaine does land in Waco, it doesn’t erase the impact of losing Thomas. He wasn’t just a product of the system; he was a leader who already understood the demands of Big 12 football. And with a new scheme and a new voice on that side of the ball, having a veteran like Thomas in the room would’ve been a huge asset during the transition.
Klanderman has a strong track record when it comes to developing linebackers, and if he can bring in a player like Romaine, it gives him a solid building block. But Thomas was already there, already producing, and already trusted. Now, Baylor’s defensive rebuild gets a little more complicated.
There’s always movement this time of year, especially with the transfer portal as active as ever. But some departures hit harder than others - and this one’s going to be felt. Keaton Thomas is gone, and the Bears are left looking for someone who can bring the same consistency, toughness, and leadership he delivered week in and week out.