“BAYLOR BEAR IS MY HOME”: Star Reveals How He Almost Joined Rival Team
In an exclusive, behind-the-scenes story, Baylor Bears’ star running back Dillon Smith revealed how close he came to leaving Waco and joining one of Baylor’s most bitter rivals. The revelation stunned fans and analysts alike, as Smith, one of the most dynamic players in college football, has quickly become the face of the Bears’ offense. But his journey to Baylor was not as simple as it seemed—at one point, it appeared that his future in college football might take him to the other side of the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry.
It all began during Smith’s senior year of high school, when he was one of the most highly recruited running backs in the nation. Coming out of Allen High School, where he had rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 25 touchdowns in his final season, the 5’11” back was on every major program’s radar. Schools like Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU were all vying for his signature, but there was one team that particularly caught his attention—The University of Texas Longhorns.
“I’ll be honest, Texas was my dream school growing up,” Dillon confessed in an interview. “The atmosphere, the tradition, the chance to play in front of 100,000 fans at the Cotton Bowl—it was hard to ignore. Their coaches were all over me, showing me all the ways I could fit into their offense. They made me feel like I was the missing piece they needed to turn things around.”
The allure of joining a historically strong program like Texas almost led Smith to sign with them. According to Smith, he had nearly made the decision to commit to the Longhorns, even taking an official visit to Austin where he met with coaches, toured the facilities, and interacted with current players. “Everything about it seemed perfect. I was ready to be a Longhorn,” Smith admitted.
However, the story took an unexpected twist when Baylor came into the picture. As the recruiting process continued, Baylor’s offensive coordinator, Jeff Grimes, began making regular visits to Allen High School. Unlike the other schools, Grimes didn’t just focus on Smith’s athletic ability; he made an effort to build a relationship with him. Grimes spoke about the team culture at Baylor, the emphasis on running backs in their system, and how Smith could become a star in their high-powered offense.
“I’ll be honest, when Coach Grimes first reached out to me, I wasn’t sure what to think,” Dillon explained. “Baylor wasn’t even on my radar initially. But when I visited Waco, everything changed. The coaches, the facilities, and most importantly, the people—it just felt like home. There was something about the atmosphere there that I couldn’t shake. It was so different from everything I had seen at other schools. I realized I could grow here, not just as a player, but as a person.”
The turning point came during an emotional visit to Baylor, when Dillon took a tour of the campus with his parents. “It felt like a family. The moment I stepped onto that field, I knew something was different. The coaching staff wasn’t just about football—they were about developing young men. I could tell that they truly cared about me,” Dillon said, his voice softening.
Despite the strong pull from Texas, Dillon ultimately made the bold decision to commit to Baylor in the summer of 2021. “It wasn’t an easy choice. Texas was right there, and it would’ve been so easy to join them. But Baylor offered something that Texas didn’t—real personal connections, a program that felt like it was on the rise, and coaches who saw me as more than just a football player.”
As it turns out, that decision was a game-changer for Dillon Smith, who quickly became a star for the Bears, racking up impressive yardage and touchdowns in his first two seasons. His dynamic ability to break tackles, combined with his vision and speed, helped solidify Baylor’s reputation as one of the most explosive offenses in the Big 12.
Reflecting on his decision, Smith has no regrets. “Baylor is my home. It’s where I was meant to be. It’s where I could develop into the player I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing,” Dillon said with a smile. “And honestly, every time we play Texas, it’s a little extra motivation. I’m grateful for what they offered, but I’m thankful I chose Baylor.”
As Dillon Smith continues to lead the Baylor Bears toward what many hope will be another Big 12 championship, his decision to stick with the program and turn down a rival like Texas has cemented his legacy not just as a player, but as one of Baylor’s most beloved athletes. His story serves as a reminder that, for some athletes, the right fit isn’t always the biggest program—it’s the one where you feel truly valued.
