Can the Baylor Bears Reinforce Their Relevance in 2025?
As Baylor University prepares for the 2025 season, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Bears can maintain and reinforce their recent rise to prominence in college football. After a historic 2021 season in which they claimed the Big 12 Championship and earned a Sugar Bowl victory, Baylor has shown that it’s not just a contender in the conference but a potential powerhouse on the national stage. However, sustaining this success requires more than just a single impressive year.
The key to Baylor’s future success lies in the foundation built by head coach Dave Aranda, who arrived in Waco in 2020 and quickly turned the program around. After a rocky first season, Aranda’s team responded with resilience, exceeding expectations in 2021 and continuing to compete at a high level in 2022. His defensive acumen and emphasis on discipline have shaped the Bears into a team that can match up with any opponent in the Big 12.
Looking ahead to 2025, Baylor’s relevance hinges on several factors: recruiting, player development, and the ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. The Big 12 itself is evolving, with Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC and a new crop of teams joining the conference. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Baylor. While the Bears will face stiffer competition in the years ahead, they also have a chance to assert themselves as a dominant force in a restructured Big 12.
In terms of recruiting, Baylor will need to continue attracting top talent, particularly on offense. Quarterback play will be a crucial component of their success moving forward. Whether it’s building on the experience of current players or developing a future star, the Bears must maintain their competitive edge in this area. Additionally, as the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era continues to reshape college football, Baylor’s ability to effectively leverage NIL opportunities for its athletes will be essential to remaining competitive in the national landscape.
With the right leadership and strategic development, the Baylor Bears have the potential to reinforce their relevance in college football for years to come. By continuing to build on their strong defensive roots, enhancing their offensive output, and capitalizing on the ever-changing dynamics of college athletics, Baylor can remain a force to be reckoned with in 2025 and beyond.
