The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 5/4 Football’s Baker selected to Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award watch list
08.20.2026 | Football
The junior offensive lineman is also on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Football junior offensive lineman Brandon Baker was named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
In addition to earning a spot on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, Baker is also on the preseason watch list for the 81st Outland Trophy. Baker garnered Preseason All-SEC Third Team honors by the league's media and coaches.
Baker started all 13 games at right tackle last season for the Longhorns. The Ontario, Calif., product started in Texas' 2025 season opener at No. 3/2 Ohio State on Aug. 30 and protected QB Arch Manning, who completed 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. In UT's home opener vs. San Jose State on Sept. 6, Baker paved the way for 472 yards of total offense and provided a clean pocket for Manning, who went 19-for-30 for 295 yards and four touchdowns while powering UT's run game to 155 yards on the ground. Baker helped Texas' offense generate 607 total offensive yards in the Week 4 win vs. Sam Houston on Sept. 20. Baker enabled Manning to complete 18-of-21 passes for 309 yards and three passing touchdowns. Baker and the offensive line also allowed for 264 rushing yards, including a 50-yard scramble by QB Matthew Caldwell, as well as four rushing touchdowns vs. Sam Houston. Baker contained the No. 6/6 Oklahoma defense on Oct. 11 to help Texas generate 302 yards of total offense in the win vs. the Sooners. Manning finished the game completing 21-of-27 passes for 166 yards and a score. Baker protected Manning, who completed 25-of-33 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns against No. 9/11 Vanderbilt on Nov. 1. In Texas' home win vs. Arkansas on Nov. 22, Baker spearheaded Texas' offense to 52 points against the Razorbacks. Manning aired it out with 389 passing yards and four touchdowns vs. the Hogs. In Texas' 27-17 victory vs. No. 3/3 Texas A&M in the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown on Nov. 28, Baker blocked for RB Quintrevion Wisner, who ran for a season-high 155 rushing yards on 19 attempts while averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Manning connected on 14-of-29 passes for 179 yards and a score against the Aggies, who boasted one of the nation's top defenses. In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan, Baker helped Texas put up 41 points and register 456 yards of total offense vs. the Wolverines. Manning ran for 155 yards and two scores, including a 60-yard rush in the fourth quarter. Baker provided a clean pocket for Manning, who threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns while the Texas run game amassed 235 yards on the ground.
Finalists for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on Dec. 8, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 15. The presentation of the Award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on Jan. 16, 2027.
Baker and the Longhorns open the 2026 season vs. Texas State at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Sept. 5, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will broadcast on ESPN.
