Baylor Bears

Baylor University fields athletic teams that compete at the highest level of NCAA Division I, operating as one of just three private schools within the Big 12 Conference. The program carries a legacy stretching back to 1845 when the university itself opened its doors in Waco, Texas. Before joining the modern Big 12 lineup in 1996, the school spent decades competing in the Southwest Conference, building a foundation that remains central to their identity today.

Football serves as the primary driver of fan engagement, anchored by McLane Stadium which opened on campus in 2014 with seating for roughly 45,000 spectators. This venue replaced the historic Floyd Casey Stadium and now hosts the team's home games. The spirit of the program extends beyond the field with the Bear Habitat, a unique feature housing live American black bears that have served as mascots since 1950.

The athletic department has seen significant shifts in recent years, from the high-flying offense under Art Briles to the structural rebuilding led by Dave Aranda. While the football program navigated a difficult period following the 2013 season scandal, it reached new heights in 2021 by securing its first College Football Playoff berth and appearing in the National Championship game after defeating Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl. [edit]

The Baylor Bears joined the Big 12 Conference in 1996 after leaving the Southwest Conference, where they had been members since the league formed in 1914. The football program experienced a dramatic resurgence under head coach Art Briles starting in 2008. His tenure produced an undefeated regular season in 2013 followed by a Fiesta Bowl victory, though this success was later overshadowed by severe NCAA sanctions related to a sexual assault scandal involving former players. These events forced a complete roster turnover and coaching change.

Dave Aranda took over in 2019 and guided the team through a rebuilding phase that culminated in a breakthrough 2021 season. That year, the Bears defeated Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl Classic to earn their first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff and advanced to the National Championship game. The program continues to emphasize strong performances in Olympic sports like women's gymnastics, wrestling, and swimming & diving, where they have claimed national titles.

By the 2026 season, the focus shifted toward a new era of leadership on the field. Quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as a central figure, drawing attention for his family legacy and early candidacy for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Defensive end Palmer Williams also gained recognition as a second-team Preseason All-American, signaling a deepening talent pool as the team prepares for another competitive campaign in the Big 12. [edit]