Jaylen Ellis' Exit Now Official, Redshirt Junior to Transfer

WACO, Texas – Wide receiver Jaylen Ellis is transferring after four seasons in Waco, he announced via social media on Monday. 

A redshirt junior this past season, Ellis was originally the first member of the Bears’ 2019 recruiting class — and Baylor his first offer — committing to former coach Matt Rhule’s staff in June 2017. 

At the time, Shawn Bell — then a newly hired analyst — played a massive role in landing the Central Texas standout’s pledge, having spent the previous season as his head coach at Cedar Ridge High School. Despite pushes from schools like Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, and Arizona, including some official visits, he ultimately signed with the Bears. 

In five appearances last season, Ellis caught three passes for 154 yards and one touchdown — at a gaudy clip of 53.1 yards per catch. His season summary entailed a 50-yard reception in the opener vs. Albany, a 47-yard score in the regular season closer vs. Texas, and a 57-yard gain in the bowl loss to Air Force. Despite flashes of explosiveness, Ellis also struggled with injuries at times during his career and only appeared in two games as a sophomore. 

The former Round Rock-area star ended his time in green and gold with six catches for 198 yards and one touchdown in 16 contests. He is the tenth player from last year’s opening-day roster to enter the portal. 

Ellis’ departure had been expected for some time, and despite an official announcement until now, he wasn’t listed on the Bears’ spring football roster. Attrition-wise at wide receiver, prior to spring, the Bears also lost second-leading receiver Gavin Holmes to graduation, Josh Fleeks reunited with Matt Rhule at Nebraska, and Seth Jones headed to USF after entering the portal in-season. 

Looking ahead, the versatile Monaray Baldwin leads next year’s top billing. Hal Presley and Josh Cameron also saw action in all 13 games, each finishing with over 300 yards. Presley, in particular, caught four touchdowns, tying him with Baldwin and Holmes for most receiving TD on the team. The Bears also added former Arkansas WR Ketron Jackson through the portal. He’s been a full participant this spring, along with 2023 signee and early enrollee Micah Gifford. There’s also a large group of young but largely unproven players, including Cameron Bonner, Armani Winfield, and Jordan Nabors at wide receiver coach Dallas Baker’s disposal.