While Joe Klanderman will be tasked with guiding Baylor (4-3) toward bowl eligibility , he must also preserve a roster that could undergo significant changes this offseason.

Coaching transitions have become especially challenging in the transfer portal era, with players having more opportunities to explore their options following a change in leadership. Baylor has several players who could play major roles in 2027, making their retention critical for the next head coach .

Here are six retention priorities for Klanderman and the Bears.

1. DJ Lagway and Nate Bennett, Quarterbacks

Keeping both quarterbacks should be among Baylor's highest priorities, regardless of who takes over as head coach.

Lagway arrived from Florida as one of the nation's most highly regarded transfer quarterbacks.…