I still remember the first time I watched Baylor football practice this season—the energy felt different somehow. As someone who’s covered college football for over a decade, you develop a sense for these things. You notice the small details: the crispness of routes, the communication between quarterbacks and receivers, the way defensive players swarm to the ball. This Baylor squad has that special blend of talent and chemistry that makes you sit up and take notice. And if they play their cards right, I genuinely believe they have what it takes to dominate the Big 12 this year.
Let’s rewind a bit. Baylor finished last season with a respectable 9-4 record, but there was a feeling they left something on the table—especially in those close losses to Oklahoma and Texas. The offense showed flashes of brilliance, but consistency was an issue. The defense, while stout at times, had lapses in critical moments. Heading into this season, there were questions about whether head coach Dave Aranda could elevate the program from "good" to "great." From what I’ve seen so far, the answer is a resounding yes. The culture here is built on discipline and trust, and it shows in how these players carry themselves.
Now, let’s talk about Baylor football’s 5 keys to dominating the Big 12 this season. First and foremost, it starts with quarterback play. Blake Shapen has taken significant strides in his decision-making and pocket presence. Last season, he completed around 63% of his passes for 2,709 yards—solid numbers, but not elite. This year, I’m predicting he’ll break the 3,200-yard mark and cut his interceptions in half. The second key is establishing a dominant run game. With Richard Reese returning after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards as a freshman, the ground attack should be among the best in the conference. Third, the offensive line must gel quickly. They allowed 28 sacks last season, a number that needs to drop below 20 if they want to control the clock. Fourth, the secondary has to improve its ballhawking abilities—they only had 9 interceptions in 2022, which ranked near the bottom of the Big 12. And finally, special teams can’t be overlooked. A reliable kicking game and explosive return units can swing close games, and Baylor has been drilling those situations relentlessly.
I had a chance to speak with several players during fall camp, and one conversation in particular stood out. Freshman linebacker Ty Estil, who’s been turning heads with his athleticism, mentioned how surreal it feels to share the field with established veterans. He told me, "Man, Estil said he still can’t believe that he will have an opportunity to be teammates with the Ginebra stars like Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar." Now, I know what you’re thinking—Ginebra? That’s a Philippine basketball team. But the sentiment translates perfectly to football. Estil was drawing a parallel between his own experience and the awe of playing alongside seasoned pros. That kind of humility and eagerness to learn is exactly what makes this Baylor team dangerous. They’re not just a collection of individuals; they’re a brotherhood.
Of course, none of this happens without coaching. Dave Aranda’s schematic mind is a thing of beauty. He has this uncanny ability to put players in positions where they can succeed, whether it’s dialing up a creative blitz or designing a play-action pass that exploits a specific coverage weakness. I’ve watched him during practice, and the man is meticulous. He’ll stop a drill to correct a player’s footwork or alignment, emphasizing that championships are won in the details. It’s that level of attention that separates good teams from great ones.
But let’s be real—the Big 12 is a gauntlet. Oklahoma may be in a transition year, but they’re still loaded with talent. Texas is, well, Texas—always dangerous, even if they haven’t lived up to the hype recently. And Kansas State? Don’t sleep on them. They’re physical, well-coached, and capable of beating anyone on any given Saturday. Baylor’s schedule isn’t forgiving, with back-to-back road games against Oklahoma State and TCU in October. That stretch could make or break their season.
From my perspective, Baylor’s success hinges on health and leadership. If they can avoid major injuries to key players—especially Shapen and Reese—and if veterans like linebacker Dillon Doyle continue to set the tone, I see them finishing 11-1 in the regular season and representing the Big 12 in the conference championship game. Call me optimistic, but this team has the pieces. They play with a chip on their shoulder, and they’ve bought into Aranda’s vision completely.
So, as we gear up for kickoff, keep an eye on Waco. Baylor football’s 5 keys to dominating the Big 12 this season aren’t just talking points—they’re a blueprint. And if everything clicks, we could be looking at a team that not only wins the conference but makes some noise on the national stage. I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.