By Carson Vercoe | Sports Writer
Baylor’s defense will be revamped heading into the 2026 season. A new coordinator, new assistant coaches and new players come to Waco to overhaul a defense that struggled last year.
While many position groups brought in new personnel and styles, the linebacker room will still feature key players from last year.
During the offseason, Baylor lost its lead tackler in Keaton Thomas and redshirt senior linebacker Phoenix Jackson, who suffered a season-ending injury in week three, to the transfer portal.
While these were major losses for the Bears, they didn’t need to look too far for their replacements.
Junior linebacker Kyland Reed saw some action early on in the season, making nine tackles with one for loss and a fumble recovery in nonconference play. He appeared in all 12 games last season, finishing with 49 tackles and one forced fumble. He will now step into a much bigger role as a playmaker and anchor in the middle of the defense.
“Being one of the only guys left from when I got here, it feels good to be able to speak up for the team and speak up for what we have been believing in the whole time,” Reed said. “We got a lot of new guys, so just coming in, getting that message across and being a spokesman for coach Aranda, I am blessed to do what I do.”
Fifth-year linebacker Travion Barnes joins Reed on the field as the other starting linebacker. Barnes recorded 11 total tackles along with a sack before suffering a season-ending injury against Arizona State in week four. He looks to get back on the right track from before his injury. Barnes has been tasked with learning a new scheme and getting the young guys ready as one of the few returners.
“I feel like it’s going pretty well for me, just getting back into things and understanding the new system we have, bonding with the guys,” Barnes said. “It’s a great energy waking up and coming here every morning. I’m loving it so far.”
While not starting in any games for the Bears last season but appearing as a reserve, sophomore linebacker Kaleb Burns finished the season with 18 total tackles and one interception. He is another returning player tasked with stepping into a new role and continuing to learn from Barnes and Reed.
“I treat them like big brothers to me,” Burns said. “We watch film together, and we talk together on the phone. Just keeping those guys around me in a circle, knowing we’re all getting better, we’re all just looking forward to the same goal, I mean you can’t beat that.”
The linebackers will once again be led by coach Jamar Chaney. Chaney enters his third year as linebackers coach and looks to keep his unit ready for the season. Chaney is confident his squad will be ready to go from the jump.
“I think we’re looking pretty good,” Chaney said. “We’re progressing, which is the most important thing, and trying to get better each and every day. I mean, I’m excited about this group.”
With returning production from multiple linebackers and a proven coach in Chaney, the unit looks like it’s ready to dominate from the first snap of the season.
