The Baylor Bears have strengthened their defensive lineup by signing standout defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler, who recently announced his entry into the transfer portal after winning a national championship with the Indiana Hoosiers. The announcement came on Sunday, but Baylor will now await a decision regarding Wheeler”s eligibility for the upcoming season.
Wheeler, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 298 pounds, was a significant contributor to the Indiana defense. He participated in all 16 games last season and secured five starting positions, totaling 420 snaps. During this time, he recorded 31 tackles and four tackles for loss (TFLs). Should he be deemed eligible, Wheeler is expected to take on a starting role for the Bears this season.
This transfer marks Wheeler”s fourth stop in his collegiate career, following his stints at Sacramento State (a junior college), Western Kentucky, and finally Indiana, where he played his first season in 2025. As of now, he is preparing for a court date on February 10, which is part of the Pavia lawsuit challenging NCAA regulations that consider junior college seasons as part of a player”s five-year eligibility period.
The outcome of this ruling could impact Baylor”s plans, but the Bears are gaining a player with proven performance across various competitive levels. Over the course of his career, Wheeler has accumulated 150 tackles, 12 TFLs, and four sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In 2024, while at Western Kentucky, he earned First-Team All-Conference USA recognition, finishing the season with 75 tackles, five TFLs, and two sacks, leading all defensive linemen in tackles within Conference USA.
Wheeler”s run defense skills are also noteworthy; he achieved a run defense grade of 74.0 during his time at Indiana, ranking 11th on the team. His tackling efficiency was impressive, as he missed only three tackles throughout the season, demonstrating his ability to effectively engage ball carriers.
As Baylor anticipates the ruling on Wheeler”s eligibility, they remain hopeful that he will contribute to the Bears” defense in the upcoming season.
