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Baylor Bears Stats, Roster, Picks & More
Baylor football might not always be the loudest name in the Big 12—or soon, in the evolving college football landscape—but savvy sports bettors know this program can offer sneaky-good value.
Whether it’s a surprise ATS cover or a total that trends in the wrong direction, the Baylor Bears bring plenty of betting angles worth tracking. This guide breaks down everything you need to bet smarter on Baylor—from historical context and standout players to betting trends, statistical breakdowns, and expert insights.
If you’re building a parlay or eyeing player props, this is your playbook for wagering on the Bears this season.
Picks and Predictions for the Baylor Bears
Don’t miss out on the chance to win big betting on the Bears this season. Our team of handicappers have put out a list of picks you can use to place smart wagers.
If you like these picks and want to see more of our NCAAF coverage, consider signing up at ScoresandStats.com. Our starter package grants you access to dozens of handicappers’ picks, as well as consensus and public betting info. And it’s just $9 per month!
Baylor Bears History
The Baylor Bears football program dates back to 1899 and has experienced several highs and lows throughout its history. Initially an independent, Baylor became one of the founding members of the Southwest Conference in 1914 and later joined the Big 12 in 1996. For decades, the Bears struggled to consistently compete with the powerhouses of Texas football but built a loyal following and occasionally put together competitive seasons, particularly in the mid-20th century.
The program began to turn heads nationally during the early 2010s under head coach Art Briles. His offensive schemes helped Baylor set records for yardage and scoring, culminating in a pair of Big 12 championships in 2013 and 2014. The Bears became known for their explosive passing game and elite receiver talent, and McLane Stadium in Waco transformed into a dangerous venue for visiting teams. However, this success was marred by a sexual assault scandal that led to major changes in the program’s leadership.
In the years since, Baylor has experienced a rollercoaster of rebuilding and resurgence. Under head coach Dave Aranda, the Bears captured the Big 12 title in 2021 with a 12-2 record, capping it off with a Sugar Bowl victory. That season showcased a new identity—defensive toughness and discipline. The Bears are still working to regain consistency, but their ability to develop talent and adapt to different styles of play makes them an intriguing team for bettors in any given season.
Baylor Bears Timeline
- 1899: Baylor plays its first official football game.
- 1914: Joins the Southwest Conference as a charter member.
- 1949: Baylor posts its first AP Top 20 finish under coach George Sauer.
- 1974: The “Miracle on the Brazos” season sees Baylor win its first SWC title in 50 years.
- 1980: Mike Singletary wins the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player.
- 1996: Baylor joins the newly formed Big 12 Conference.
- 2010: Robert Griffin III leads Baylor to a bowl game, ending a 16-year drought.
- 2011: Griffin wins the Heisman Trophy—Baylor’s first ever.
- 2013–2014: The Bears win back-to-back Big 12 titles and make national headlines with their offense.
- 2016: Art Briles is dismissed following a campus-wide sexual assault investigation.
- 2020: Dave Aranda takes over as head coach, focusing on rebuilding the program’s integrity and toughness.
- 2021: Baylor wins the Big 12 Championship and the Sugar Bowl with a 12-2 season.
Baylor Bears Stats
The 2024 Baylor Bears endured a difficult campaign, finishing with a 3-9 record that exposed multiple problem areas on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the team averaged just 24.2 points per game, ranking outside the top 75 nationally, and managed 345.1 total yards per game. The Bears struggled to establish consistency in the passing game, generating only 211.4 passing yards per contest and ranking in the bottom third of the Big 12 in third-down conversion rate.
Defensively, the issues ran even deeper. Baylor gave up an average of 33.3 points per game, placing them near the bottom of the FBS. The defense allowed over 410 yards per game, and opposing teams were able to exploit the Bears both on the ground and through the air. While there were moments of promise—such as flashes of strong linebacker play and a few standout performances in goal-line stands—the overall defensive unit lacked cohesion. These struggles made it difficult for the Bears to stay competitive in close games, let alone cover spreads consistently.
Baylor Bears Roster for 2025
Heading into 2025, the Baylor roster is undergoing a significant transition. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson is expected to lead the offense after seeing spot duty last season, and the coaching staff hopes that another offseason in the system will help him find rhythm and confidence. Baylor will also look to lean heavily on running back Dominic Richardson, who flashed promise late in the 2024 season and should see a larger workload in 2025.
In the receiving corps, sophomore Ketron Jackson Jr. and Mississippi State transfer Zavion Thomas are expected to be key contributors. Jackson brings physicality and red-zone value, while Thomas adds explosive speed and versatility, especially in special teams. On the defensive side, linebacker Garmon Randolph and safety Devin Lemear will anchor a unit aiming to rebound from last year’s struggles. The Bears also brought in several defensive linemen from the transfer portal in hopes of improving a run defense that was far too porous last season. Overall, this is a roster in rebuild mode—but not without upside.
Baylor Bears Injury Report
The Bears are no strangers to injuries, but the 2025 season is looking fine for them so far. But, a surprise ACL tear or shoulder injury isn’t out of the question, so be sure to check out the latest injury report before placing a wager on the team:
Baylor Bears Betting Outlook and Trends
Baylor’s performance last year left many bettors frustrated—but that disappointment also opens the door to potential value in 2025. While the Bears aren’t expected to be title contenders, they could play spoiler in the Big 12 and offer smart bettors opportunities to exploit early-season mispricing. Here are a few emerging betting trends worth watching this season:
Rebuilding Year = Inflated Spreads
After a dismal 3-win season, oddsmakers and the public may undervalue Baylor in early lines. Teams with low expectations often enter games as double-digit underdogs, and with modest improvement—especially at quarterback—the Bears could be a good pick to cover in overlooked spots. Particularly in home games, where Baylor tends to play better, there may be value in backing the Bears against the spread, especially when facing mid-tier Big 12 competition.
Second-Half Unders May Be Worth Targeting
In 2024, Baylor’s offense started games strong but often faded in the second half, either due to fatigue or lack of depth. Meanwhile, defensive adjustments sometimes kept opposing teams from piling on late. This sets up an intriguing angle for second-half under bets, particularly in lower-scoring matchups. Bettors who monitor live lines may find a profitable niche here if these trends continue into 2025.
Transfer Impact May Lag Behind Market Awareness
Baylor made a number of key additions through the transfer portal, including wide receiver Zavion Thomas and several defensive front players. These newcomers could have a substantial impact, but it may take sportsbooks time to adjust prop lines and team totals accordingly. Early-season bets on individual player props—especially yardage or receptions for new starters—could present strong value before the betting market catches up.
Betting Trends from Last Season
Baylor’s 2024 season was tough for fans and bettors alike, but it revealed some trends that smart sports bettors took advantage of:
- Struggled Against the Spread (ATS): Baylor finished 4-8 ATS in 2024, frequently falling short as small underdogs or near-even matchups. The offense rarely kept pace when games got into high-scoring territory, making the Bears a risky team to back unless catching significant points.
- High-Scoring Losses Fueled Overs: While Baylor’s offense wasn’t elite, the defense surrendered over 33 points per game. This led to the over hitting in 7 of their 12 games, especially when facing up-tempo Big 12 offenses. Totals in the low-to-mid 50s were often exceeded.
- Home Underdogs Offered Occasional Value: The Bears played more competitively at McLane Stadium than on the road. As home underdogs, they managed a couple of outright wins and covered in multiple spots, suggesting that bettors could find value when fading the public in Waco.
Key Players for Betting on the Baylor Bears
Baylor doesn’t have the flashiest roster, but there are a few players expected to play crucial roles in 2025 and offer prop betting potential as well as influence on team outcomes:
Sawyer Robertson – Quarterback
Robertson enters the 2025 season as the likely QB1 after flashes of promise in 2024. A Mississippi State transfer, he’s still developing as a passer but has enough arm strength and mobility to stretch the field. If the offensive line gives him time, Robertson could be a sneaky value in passing yards or TD props—especially against weaker secondaries. Bettors should monitor his early performances to catch favorable overs before sportsbooks adjust.
Dominic Richardson – Running Back
A physical, downhill runner, Richardson could see 15–20 touches per game in 2025. He has a knack for gaining yards after contact and is likely to be Baylor’s red zone go-to. Look for rushing yard and anytime touchdown props in matchups where the Bears lean on the run game, especially against defenses that struggle in the trenches.
Zavion Thomas – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
Thomas adds explosive playmaking to a unit that lacked speed in 2024. A transfer from Mississippi State, he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball, whether as a receiver or return man. While he may be boom-or-bust from a fantasy standpoint, bettors could find great value on long-shot props like first touchdown scorer or alternate receiving yard totals.
Garmon Randolph – Linebacker
One of the few bright spots on defense last season, Randolph brings versatility and leadership to the front seven. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run will be key in Baylor’s efforts to turn things around defensively. His presence may not always show up in prop markets, but bettors should factor him in when evaluating opposing rushing props or QB sacks.
Devin Lemear – Safety
Lemear is a high-IQ defender who led the secondary in pass breakups last year and is expected to lead again in 2025. He’s reliable in coverage and an asset in run support, often shadowing the opponent’s top receiver. His influence may create value for betting unders on star wideouts going up against Baylor, particularly if Lemear shadows them in one-on-one coverage.
Baylor Bears Summary
The Baylor Bears may not be at the top of the Big 12 standings, but for bettors, that’s exactly where value often hides. With a new-look roster, an underdog mentality, and several key playmakers poised to break out, Baylor offers betting opportunities for those who dig beneath the surface. Whether it’s capitalizing on second-half unders, riding home underdog covers, or identifying soft lines on emerging players like Sawyer Robertson or Zavion Thomas, there’s profit potential with this team—if you know where to look.
For a deeper edge, consider signing up at ScoresandStats.com, where our expert handicappers provide premium picks, in-depth analysis, and proven betting strategies. Don’t just follow the lines—get ahead of them with insider insights and predictive analytics that help you bet smarter on Baylor and every other team in the college football landscape.
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