The Baylor Bears, under the leadership of head coach Dave Aranda, experienced a significant turnaround this season, marking a stark contrast to their struggles in recent years. The team’s performance in 2022 and 2023 had been disappointing, with the Bears managing a combined 9-16 record. However, the 2024 squad is in a position to match or even surpass that win total with a bowl victory against LSU on Tuesday, which would be a major achievement for the program.
Baylor wrapped up the regular season with an 8-4 record, finishing tied for fifth in the Big 12 with a 6-3 conference record. This is especially notable considering the tough competition in the league, including teams like Arizona State, Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado, who finished ahead of them. The Bears’ performance in 2024, with a strong finish in the middle of the conference standings, is a promising sign of the program’s improvement and future potential.
Looking ahead, with momentum building, it’s clear that Aranda and Baylor must focus on sustaining and capitalizing on this progress. A crucial development in that regard has been a recent addition through the transfer portal, which has made the future look even brighter for the team. Walker White, a former Auburn quarterback, has committed to Baylor, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.
This transfer could have a transformative impact on Baylor’s offense next season. White was highly regarded as a four-star recruit coming out of high school, where he was ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the nation by 247Sports. Additionally, he is currently ranked as the No. 9 quarterback in the transfer portal. With his impressive background, White is expected to be a strong addition and could quickly become a key player for Baylor in 2024 and beyond.
During his freshman year at Auburn, Walker White redshirted but did make an appearance in one game. In that game, he completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards against UL Monroe on November 16, 2024. While his time on the field was limited, his potential has always been evident, and now at Baylor, he will have the chance to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
White’s arrival adds an exciting dimension to Baylor’s offense, as he is expected to compete immediately for the starting quarterback position. This could provide the necessary spark the Bears need on offense. Baylor’s 2024 offense showed solid statistics, ranking 20th in points per game with 34.7, but there’s still room for growth, especially in terms of passing efficiency and overall consistency. The Bears ranked 70th in completions per game (18.6), 65th in completion percentage (61.6%), and 42nd in passing yards per game (246). With Walker White at the helm, Baylor hopes to see these numbers improve significantly, boosting their chances of becoming a legitimate contender in the College Football Playoff race in the near future.
The team will have the opportunity to cap off their 2024 campaign with a strong performance in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, where they will face LSU, who also finished the regular season with an 8-4 record. The bowl game will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and it will be broadcast live on ESPN. A win here would not only provide a satisfying end to the season but also give the Bears a strong foundation as they build toward future success under Dave Aranda’s leadership.
As Baylor moves forward, the addition of Walker White and the continued development of the program’s core players are sure to play a major role in determining whether they can rise to new heights in the coming years. The combination of a competitive 2024 season and an exciting quarterback prospect has the potential to elevate Baylor’s standing in the Big 12 and make them a contender on the national stage.