France League

I still remember watching Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar dominate the basketball court last season, and Estil's comment about becoming teammates with these stars really got me thinking about what makes teams click. That same chemistry and strategic brilliance is exactly what Baylor Football needs to harness if they want to dominate the Big 12 this season. Having followed college football for over a decade, I've seen programs rise and fall based on more than just raw talent—it's about culture, adaptability, and seizing momentum when it matters most. Baylor has shown flashes of greatness in recent years, but this season feels different. There's a tangible energy around the program that reminds me of their 2021 Big 12 Championship run, and I believe they're positioned to replicate that success.

Let's start with the offense, because frankly, that's where games are won in today's college football landscape. Last season, Baylor averaged 31.6 points per game, but what impressed me most wasn't the scoring—it was their balance. They rushed for nearly 2,400 yards while passing for another 3,200, creating the kind of defensive nightmare that keeps opposing coordinators awake at night. Having watched every snap last year, I can tell you that offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes has developed something special here. His play-calling reminds me of a chess master anticipating moves three steps ahead. The offensive line returns four starters from a unit that allowed only 18 sacks last season, which is remarkable in a conference known for defensive pressure. What really excites me though is the quarterback situation. Blake Shapen showed incredible poise during crucial moments last season, and I've noticed his deep ball accuracy has improved dramatically during spring practices. He completed 63.7% of his passes last year, but I'm predicting he'll push that to 68% this season with the receiving corps he has around him.

Defensively, Baylor needs to recapture that 2021 magic when they led the conference in turnovers forced. Last season they generated only 22 takeaways compared to 29 during their championship year—that seven turnover difference might not sound significant, but it directly translated to at least two losses in close games. I've always believed defense wins championships, and Baylor's defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is one of the most innovative minds in football. His hybrid 3-3-5 scheme creates confusion that even experienced quarterbacks struggle to decode. The secondary returns three starters, including safety Al Walcott who led the team with four interceptions last season. Where I see room for improvement is in the pass rush—they recorded 32 sacks last year but need to push that number closer to 40 to truly dominate the conference. The linebacker corps, led by Dillon Doyle, might be the most underrated unit in the Big 12. Having watched Doyle develop over three seasons, I can confidently say he's the heart of this defense, a player who consistently makes plays that don't always show up on stat sheets but completely change game outcomes.

Special teams often get overlooked, but in a conference as competitive as the Big 12, they can be the difference between a good season and a great one. Baylor's kicking game was solid last year with Isaiah Hankins connecting on 15 of 18 field goal attempts, but what really stood out to me was their punt coverage unit. They allowed only 4.3 yards per return, which consistently gave their defense favorable field position. In close games against teams like Oklahoma and Texas, these hidden yards become absolutely critical. I've noticed Baylor has been experimenting with different return specialists during offseason practices, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them break a couple of long returns this season that directly swing games in their favor.

The schedule sets up nicely for Baylor, with key home games against Oklahoma and Kansas State that could determine their championship aspirations. Having analyzed their calendar, I'm particularly interested in that November 12th matchup against Oklahoma in Waco. The Sooners have owned this series historically, but something feels different this year. Baylor's physical style matches up well against Oklahoma's finesse approach, and with the game happening late in the season when injuries pile up, Baylor's superior depth could be the deciding factor. Road games at Texas and Iowa State will be challenging, but having attended games in both venues multiple times, I can tell you this Baylor team has the mental toughness to handle hostile environments better than any squad I've seen in Waco over the past decade.

Culture matters more than people realize, and that's where Estil's comment about teammates resonates so strongly. The best teams I've observed aren't just collections of talent—they're brotherhoods where players genuinely fight for each other. Baylor has developed that culture under Aranda, and it shows in how they perform in fourth quarters. Last season, they outscored opponents 87-42 in the final quarter, demonstrating both conditioning and mental fortitude. That doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of a program built on trust and shared purpose. When players buy into something bigger than themselves, like Estil embracing his role alongside established stars, that's when special seasons happen.

Looking at the Big 12 landscape, I'm convinced Baylor has all the ingredients for a championship run. Their offensive balance, defensive creativity, and cultural foundation create a perfect storm that few conference opponents can match. The Big 12 is wide open this year with Oklahoma and Texas in transition periods, creating a prime opportunity for Baylor to establish themselves as the conference's premier program. Having followed this team closely through spring practices and fall camp, I've seen the dedication and improvement that typically precedes breakthrough seasons. They might not be the flashiest team in the conference, but they're undoubtedly the most complete. When November arrives and the pressure mounts, that completeness will be what separates them from the pack and delivers Baylor their second Big 12 championship in three years.