It’s tough to keep track of rosters during bowl season. The transfer portal and NFL Draft opt-outs have led to fluid rosters as teams prepare to play their final contests. It can result in teams looking wildly different than they did in the regular season finale.
LSU is experiencing that. The Tigers will be without starting tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones, along with tight end Mason Taylor and wide receiver Kyren Lacy. All four are moving on to the draft.
LSU took hits from the transfer portal, too. LSU will be without receiver CJ Daniels and safety Sage Ryan. Neither loss changes LSU’s outlook heading into 2025, but they were both significant contributors to the 2024 team.
The Tigers’ depth will be tested.
On the other side, Baylor isn’t dealing with the same losses. For the most part, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has kept the roster together. Let’s take a look at what Baylor looks like heading into the Texas Bowl.
Transfer portal losses
On defense, Baylor lost just two contributors to the transfer portal. Safety Corey Gordon and defensive end Trey Wilson.
Gordon played 376 snaps. He recorded 15 stops and was one of the Bears’ top-graded run defenders.
Wilson didn’t see as much time, playing 228 snaps. He recorded eight pressures without a sack.
On offense, offensive lineman Alvin Ebosele entered the portal. He made three starts at left tackle this year. So that’s something to monitor if Baylor’s depth gets tested upfront.
Backup QB Dequan Finn also entered the transfer portal.
Baylor Injury Report
Baylor CB Carl Williams dealt with an injury as the regular season drew to a close, but he was present at bowl practice.
Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson was banged up at points throughout the year but is playing.
NFL Draft Opt-Outs
Baylor has a young team and will be unaffected by draft opt-outs.