As a longtime college football analyst who’s followed the Baylor Bears for over a decade, I can’t help but feel a familiar buzz in the air as we approach another season. There’s something special brewing in Waco, and I’m not just talking about the usual preseason optimism. This year, the Bears are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing squads in the Big 12, and I’ve got a hunch we’re in for some fireworks. Let me walk you through what I’ve observed—the key players, the latest updates, and my personal predictions for how this season might unfold.
First off, let’s talk about the quarterback situation because, let’s be honest, that’s where every great story starts. Blake Shapen is back under center, and from what I’ve seen in spring practices, he’s taken his game to another level. Last season, he threw for around 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions—solid numbers, but not quite elite. This year, though, I’m predicting a breakout. His accuracy has improved, and his decision-making looks sharper. I remember watching him in the spring game, threading a needle on a 30-yard pass into double coverage, and thinking, "This guy is locked in." If he stays healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit 3,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. But it’s not just about Shapen; the offensive line has to step up. They allowed 28 sacks last season, which is way too many, and I’ve heard through the grapevine that the coaching staff has been drilling them hard on protection schemes. If they can cut that number down to, say, 15 or fewer, this offense could be explosive.
Now, shifting gears to the defense, which is where I think Baylor might surprise some people. The linebacker corps, led by Matt Jones, is looking fierce. Jones racked up 85 tackles last year, and I’ve got a feeling he’ll crack 100 this season. But what really excites me is the secondary. They’ve added some freshmen who are turning heads in practice, and if they can gel quickly, this unit could be a turnover machine. I’m predicting at least 15 interceptions as a team, up from 10 last year. Of course, defense isn’t just about stats; it’s about momentum. I recall watching a clip from a ONE Championship event where the CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, praised a fighter by saying, "Joshua cemented his status as the number one strawweight in the world. There’s no question about that. There’s no question. That was an epic performance." That kind of dominance is what Baylor’s defense should aim for—not just winning, but making a statement that leaves no doubt. If they can channel that energy, especially in big games like against Oklahoma or Texas, they’ll set the tone for the entire season.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there are a few under-the-radar updates that could make or break this team. The recruiting class this year was solid, ranking in the top 25 nationally, and I’ve heard whispers that a couple of those freshmen might see significant playing time early on. Also, the schedule is favorable; they’ve got five home games in the first seven weeks, which should help build confidence. But let’s not ignore the challenges. The loss of a veteran wide receiver to the draft hurts, and the special teams unit needs to improve—they missed four field goals last season, and in close games, that can be the difference between a win and a loss. Personally, I’d love to see them bring in a dedicated kicking coach, but for now, they’ll have to rely on grit.
As for my season predictions, I’m leaning optimistic. I see Baylor finishing with a 9-3 record, maybe even 10-2 if things break their way. They’ll likely start strong, with wins in their first four games, but the real test comes in mid-October against Kansas State. That game could define their season. If they win, it’ll boost their confidence for the tougher matchups ahead. I also think they’ll pull off an upset against one of the top teams—my money’s on Oklahoma, because why not? In the end, though, it all comes down to health and chemistry. If they avoid major injuries and the leaders step up, this team has the potential to make noise in the Big 12 Championship conversation. So, buckle up, Bears fans—I have a feeling this is going to be a ride worth remembering.
