Baylor Bears Football

The Baylor Bears Football team proudly represents Baylor University in Division I FBS college football and has a storied history in the heart of Waco, Texas. They're a distinguished member of the competitive Big 12 Conference, showcasing their prowess on the field year after year. Their journey has seen them evolve from playing at the iconic Baylor Stadium, later renamed Floyd Casey Stadium in 1989, to the state-of-the-art McLane Stadium, which opened its doors in 2014.

McLane Stadium, a modern marvel completed in 2014, is a testament to Baylor's commitment to sports excellence. Its Field Turf surface and top-notch facilities provide a fitting home for the Bears' football endeavors.

Baylor Bears Football Introduction

The Baylor Bears Football program, established in 1899, has a rich and storied history in the world of college football. Led by Athletic Director Mack Rhoades and Head Coach Dave Aranda, the Baylor Bears continue to make their mark in Division I FBS football.

Their home turf, McLane Stadium, is a modern marvel, boasting a capacity of 45,140 fans and a Field Turf surface. Located in the vibrant city of Waco, Texas, this stadium has been the stage for countless thrilling moments in Baylor Bears' history since its completion in 2014.

Throughout the years, Baylor Bears Football has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing an impressive all-time record of 622 wins, 590 losses, and 44 ties. They've claimed the Big 12 Conference title a remarkable 10 times, with their most recent victory in 2021.

The Baylor Bears have a fierce rivalry with teams like TCU, Texas Tech, Texas, and Texas A&M, making every matchup a must-watch event. They've also produced Heisman winner Robert Griffin III and have had 18 Consensus All-Americans, showcasing their tradition of excellence.

Decked in green and gold, with the spirited "Old Fight" as their battle cry, the Baylor Bears continue to inspire fans and stand as a symbol of resilience and determination in the world of college football. Bruiser and Marigold, their mascots, along with the spirited Golden Wave Band, keep the Baylor spirit alive and thriving.

Baylor Bears Football History

The history of Baylor Bears football is a journey filled with significant moments and milestones. It all began in 1898 when Baylor University's football team started playing its home games near the campus on an unnamed field. The Baylor Bears didn't officially adopt their iconic mascot until December 14, 1914, after a successful 1914 football season. It wasn't until 1914 that Baylor became a founding member of the Southwest Conference, marking a pivotal moment in its athletic history.

The early years saw notable coaches like R.H. Hamilton and W.J. Ritchie leading the team to respectable records. The famous Battle of the Brazos rivalry with Texas A&M began in 1899 and would continue for over a century. Baylor's Thanksgiving Day football tradition started in 1901 with a resounding victory over St. Edward's University.

There were moments of adversity, too, like the suspension of football in 1906 due to concerns about the sport's violence. However, the program rebounded under leaders like Luther Burleson and E.J. Mills.

Baylor's football history is rich with traditions, including the enduring Baylor-TCU rivalry, membership in the historic Southwest Conference, and the iconic live bear mascot since 1915. In 1966, John Hill Westbrook broke barriers as the first African American to play varsity football in the Southwest Conference, leaving an indelible mark on Baylor Bears football history.

Baylor Bears Football Coach

The history of Baylor Bears football is punctuated by remarkable head coaches who've left their mark on the program. One such coach is Grant Teaff, who led the Baylor Bears from 1972 to 1992. His tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to building a winning culture. Under Teaff's guidance, the Baylor Bears achieved significant success, including multiple conference titles.

Another notable coach in Baylor Bears football history is Art Briles, who took the helm in 2008 and led the team until 2015. Briles brought an offensive spark to the program, and his innovative approach resulted in impressive victories and memorable seasons.

The current head coach, Dave Aranda, took over in 2020, continuing the tradition of leadership and excellence. Aranda brings his own unique style to the Baylor Bears, guiding the team into a promising future.

These coaches, among others, have been instrumental in shaping the legacy of Baylor Bears football, ensuring that the team continues to thrive on the gridiron.

Dave Aranda

Dave Aranda has led the Baylor Bears football team since 2020. In his debut season, the team secured two victories against Kansas and Kansas State. Aranda's tenure has seen remarkable moments, with the pinnacle being the Big 12 Championship win against Oklahoma State in December 2021. Despite a controversial decision in that game, Aranda's leadership and commitment to seizing opportunities have continued to shape the Baylor Bears' football journey, exemplified by a memorable goal-line stand.

Baylor Bears Football Stadium: McLane Stadium

The Baylor Bears have called several stadiums home throughout their history, with each one leaving its mark on the team's legacy. For over six decades, from 1950 to 2013, they played their games at Floyd Casey Stadium, originally named Baylor Stadium. This iconic venue, constructed after World War II, seated 50,000 fans and witnessed numerous renovations, symbolizing Baylor Bears football.

Before Floyd Casey Stadium, the team played at various locations, including Municipal Stadium and Cotton Palace. Carroll Field, located on campus, served as their home field for several years.

In 2014, a new era began with the opening of McLane Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility situated along the Brazos River. This $266 million marvel, named after Drayton McLane, Jr., introduced modern amenities and seating for up to 55,000 fans. McLane Stadium has enriched the Baylor Bears' football experience and revitalized downtown Waco, contributing to the team's continued success on and off the field.

Baylor Bears Football Rivals

The Baylor Bears have a rich history of rivalries that have added excitement and tradition to their football journey.

TCU Rivalry: Dating back to 1899, Baylor's rivalry with TCU is one of the oldest in college football. The close proximity of the two schools led to 23 games played between 1899 and 1910. However, a fire in 1910 and TCU's relocation to Fort Worth caused a hiatus. The series resumed in 2006, with TCU leading 58–53–7 through 2022.

Texas Rivalry: Baylor and Texas have clashed 111 times since their first meeting in 1901. Both were founding members of the Southwest Conference and the Big 12 Conference. Texas holds a lead of 70-28-4, but Baylor's emergence as a Big 12 contender since 2010 has intensified this rivalry, including the memorable "Ice Bowl" in 2013.

Texas Tech Rivalry: Baylor has faced Texas Tech 80 times since 1929, with the series moving between different venues. As of the 2022 season, Baylor leads 41–39–1 in a closely contested rivalry.

Texas A&M Rivalry: In 1899, the Baylor vs. Texas A&M rivalry was rooted in proximity and competitiveness. From 1960 to 1990, both teams had their moments. However, the series saw a hiatus due to Texas A&M's departure from the Big 12 in 2011, with Texas A&M leading 68–31–9.

These rivalries have added intensity and history to Baylor Bears football, creating memorable moments and fierce contests that fans continue to cherish.

Baylor Bears Football Record and stats

Conference championships

Baylor Bears football has clinched a total of ten conference championships, conquering titles in two distinct conferences, securing six as outright victories, and sharing the honor in four instances.

† Co-championship

Baylor Bears Football Roster

The 2023 Baylor Bears football roster is brimming with talent and promise, ready to represent the Baylor Bears on the gridiron. In the quarterback position, the team has R. Martinez and B. McHenry, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Martinez is 6 feet tall and weighs 204 pounds, while McHenry is 5 feet 11 inches and 193 pounds.

The offensive line is fortified by C. Barrington, a senior who is an imposing 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 308 pounds. His experience and size make him a line cornerstone, vital for protecting the quarterbacks and opening up running lanes. Defensively, the Bears have a powerful duo on the line with B. Bett, a 6 feet 4 inches, 298-pound force, and J. Boykins Jr., standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 317 pounds. These linemen will be instrumental in disrupting opponents' offenses.

At linebacker, T. Anyanwu, 6 feet 2 inches and 242 pounds, adds speed and strength to the defense. R. Bush takes charge as a cornerback, bolstering the secondary's coverage. With this skilled and well-rounded roster, the Baylor Bears are ready for a thrilling 2023 season. Baylor Bears fans can eagerly anticipate witnessing these talented athletes in action, aiming to make their mark on the field and bring glory to Baylor University.

Baylor Bears Football Schedule

The Baylor Bears' 2023 football schedule is challenging, with two games resulting in losses. They faced Texas State in their season opener, finishing with a score of 42-31 in favor of Texas State. The following week, the Bears took on Utah and came up short with a score of 20-13. Despite these early setbacks, the Bears remain determined and focused on improving their performance.

Looking ahead, the Bears have a series of exciting matchups lined up. On September 16, 2023, they will face LIU at McLane Stadium, aiming to secure their first win of the season. On September 23, they will go head-to-head with Texas in another home game. Their schedule includes notable games against Texas Tech, Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Houston, providing opportunities for the Bears to demonstrate their resilience and skill. The season will culminate with a matchup against West Virginia on November 25, 2023, at McLane Stadium. While the Baylor Bears have faced some early challenges, they are determined to bounce back and make their mark in the 2023 season. Baylor Bears fans can anticipate thrilling games and hope for a strong comeback as the season progresses.