Aranda Hoping for Clarity on Eligibility of Hosea Wheeler, Yakiri Walker Within Two Weeks

Head coach Dave Aranda provided an update on defensive lineman Hosea Wheeler and offensive lineman Yakiri Walker, both of whom are in eligibility limbo, on Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days, saying, “I wish I had a better idea of that. It’s getting late. Within two weeks, I’m hoping there’s some clarity whether it’s denied, accepted or pushed back. Right now, it’s still in its formative stage. Last time I heard, there’s a two-week window to push this. … We’re fighting hard to have both.”

In late June, Wheeler, the Indiana transfer, voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the NCAA to seek a temporary injunction in order to gain immediate eligibility for the 2026 season. Last fall, the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder posted 31 tackles, four for loss, 11 quarterback pressures and two fumble recoveries as he played 420 snaps for the Hoosiers.

“Hosea has leadership,” Aranda said. “He’s been in the dance. He’s a National Champion. There’s that, and there’s his playmaking ability, but there’s probably more depth d-line-wise.”

It’s unclear if Walker is seeking a temporary injunction, but he’s in a similar boat and has yet to receive word on whether he can be eligible to play this fall. Walker is expected to be Baylor’s starting center after the 6-foot-2, 295-pound prospect started all 13 games for Memphis last season, with all 881 of his snaps coming at the center position.

“Yakiri gives us leadership and confidence because he’s been in that position,” Aranda said. “We have other guys in there that can play that position. There’s good depth at center, but we’re stronger with him in there.”

Walker spent the 2024 season at Colorado, where he played just three snaps the entire year. Prior to that, he played three seasons at Connecticut, starting 12 games. Walker attended DeSoto High School and was a three-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class.