How Can Baylor Bears Football Reclaim Their Championship Legacy This Season?

2025-11-10 10:00

As I sit here watching the Baylor Bears football team prepare for the upcoming season, I can't help but reflect on those powerful words from their departing senior player: "I believe that leaving and saying 'goodbye' is never easy and accepting things is the most painful part." This sentiment echoes through the halls of McLane Stadium, where the ghosts of championship pasts mingle with the ambitions of today's players. Having followed this program for over fifteen years, I've witnessed both the glorious heights of the 2021 Big 12 Championship and the subsequent struggles that have left fans wondering when we'll see another title. The question isn't just about winning games—it's about reclaiming an identity that seems to have slipped through our fingers in recent seasons.

Looking at the current roster, I'm genuinely excited about what Dave Aranda has built. The defensive unit returns eight starters from last year's squad that held opponents to just 21.3 points per game, ranking them 24th nationally. That's impressive, but championships aren't won by defense alone. The offense needs to find its rhythm early, especially with quarterback Blake Shapen entering his second full season as starter. I've watched this kid develop since his freshman year, and what strikes me most is his football IQ—he reads defenses like a seasoned veteran. Still, he completed only 63.7% of his passes last season, a number that must climb to at least 68% if we're serious about championship contention. The offensive line, which allowed 29 sacks last year, needs to provide better protection. I've spoken with several former Baylor players who emphasized how championship teams are built in the trenches, and frankly, we're not quite there yet.

Recruiting has been solid but not spectacular. Baylor's 2023 recruiting class ranked 32nd nationally, which puts us behind conference rivals like Texas (ranked 3rd) and Oklahoma (ranked 4th). Those numbers concern me because championships require elite talent. I remember watching the 2014 team that shared the Big 12 title—they had six players who would eventually be drafted into the NFL. The current roster probably has three, maybe four players at that level. The transfer portal brought us some interesting pieces, particularly at wide receiver, where we needed depth. But let's be honest—while transfers can provide immediate help, building a championship culture requires developing players over multiple seasons.

The schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. Our non-conference games should be wins, though I'm keeping my eye on that Utah game in week three—the Utes are always tough. The conference slate gives us Texas and Oklahoma at home, which is huge. Historically, we've played better in Waco, and I believe home-field advantage could be worth 7-10 points in those crucial matchups. The November stretch—at Kansas State, then hosting TCU—will likely determine our season. I've seen too many promising Baylor teams collapse in November, and breaking that pattern requires mental toughness as much as physical talent.

Culture matters more than people realize. When I spoke with several players during spring practices, they mentioned how the team is focusing on accountability and resilience. Those might sound like clichés, but having covered college football for two decades, I can tell you they're the foundation of championship programs. The best Baylor teams I've watched—the 2013 squad that won the Big 12 and the 2021 championship team—shared a unique bond that transcended X's and O's. Players fought for each other, celebrated each other's successes, and lifted each other through adversity. That intangible quality can't be measured by statistics, but you know it when you see it.

Special teams could be our secret weapon. Isaiah Hankins made 18 of 22 field goals last season, including a 50-yarder against Texas Tech. In close games—and championship seasons are full of them—having a reliable kicker is priceless. Our return game needs improvement though; we averaged just 6.3 yards per punt return last season, ranking 85th nationally. Those hidden yards matter more than most fans realize.

The coaching staff faces its own challenges. Dave Aranda is one of the brightest defensive minds in football—his work during LSU's national championship season proved that. But sustaining success requires adapting as opponents study your tendencies. I've noticed offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes incorporating more RPO elements this spring, which should help keep defenses guessing. Still, I'd like to see more creativity in critical situations. Remember that fourth-quarter collapse against BYU last season? We ran the same basic running play three straight times despite needing only four yards. Championship teams find ways to convert in those moments.

As we approach the season opener, I'm cautiously optimistic. The pieces are there for a special season, but they need to fall into place perfectly. The Bears have the talent to win 10 games if they stay healthy and develop consistency. What they need most, though, is to embrace that painful process of growth that Pre mentioned. Accepting that some players have moved on, that expectations have changed, that the path forward requires both honoring the past and building something new. That's the painful part of any transition, but it's also what makes potential success so meaningful. I believe this team has the character to navigate that journey, and if they do, we might just see another championship banner raised in Waco. The foundation has been laid—now it's time to build upon it.