How Baylor Football Can Rebuild Its Winning Legacy in 2024
As I sit down to analyze the prospects of Baylor Football's rebuilding journey, I can't help but draw parallels with the world of elite combat sports. Just last month, I watched ONE Championship's historic event where Joshua Pacio delivered what Chairman Chatri Sityodtong called "an epic performance" that cemented his status as the number one strawweight globally. The conviction in Sityodtong's voice when he declared "there's no question about that" during the post-event press conference reminded me of what championship-level execution looks like. Baylor Football needs precisely this kind of definitive, unquestionable dominance if they hope to rebuild their winning legacy in 2024.
Looking back at Baylor's recent seasons reveals some sobering statistics that demand attention. The team finished the 2023 season with a disappointing 6-7 record, marking their third consecutive losing season in Big 12 conference play. What's particularly concerning is their defensive performance - they allowed an average of 31.2 points per game, ranking them 98th nationally in scoring defense. Offensively, the Bears struggled with consistency, particularly in the red zone where they converted only 68% of their opportunities into touchdowns. These numbers aren't just statistics on a page; they represent fundamental gaps in execution and mentality that need addressing.
The foundation for Baylor's potential turnaround actually began taking shape during the latter part of last season. I noticed significant improvements in their young quarterback development, with true freshman quarterback RJ Martinez showing flashes of brilliance in his final three starts, completing 64% of his passes for 812 yards with 7 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. These numbers suggest the raw talent exists within the program. What's missing is the championship mentality that Sityodtong described - that unwavering belief that separates good teams from great ones. Baylor needs to develop what I like to call "the Joshua mentality" - that absolute certainty in their abilities and execution.
Recruiting will play a crucial role in this rebuilding process, and here's where my perspective might differ from conventional wisdom. While everyone focuses on star ratings, I believe Baylor should prioritize identifying players with what I call "competitive DNA" - the innate drive that can't be taught. Looking at their 2024 recruiting class, they've secured commitments from several three-star prospects, but what matters more than their rating is their fit within Baylor's system and their mental toughness. I've always believed that a perfectly suited three-star player often outperforms a disengaged five-star recruit, and Baylor's coaching staff seems to share this philosophy based on their recent recruitment patterns.
The schematic evolution under head coach Dave Aranda presents another fascinating dimension to this rebuilding puzzle. Aranda's defensive background should theoretically translate to better defensive performances, yet the numbers haven't reflected this. From my analysis of game tape from last season, the issue appears to be execution rather than scheme. The defensive play-calling was actually quite sophisticated, but missed assignments and poor tackling undermined the strategic advantages. This reminds me of how in combat sports, the best game plan means nothing without proper execution - something Sityodtong emphasized when discussing what makes a true champion like Joshua.
Offensively, Baylor needs to establish a clearer identity. Last season, they seemed caught between establishing a power running game and implementing a spread passing attack, never fully committing to either approach. The statistics bear this out - they averaged only 142 rushing yards per game while passing for 245 yards, placing them in the middle of the pack nationally in both categories. In my experience watching successful turnarounds, teams need to pick their offensive identity and commit fully rather than trying to be competent at everything but exceptional at nothing.
The schedule for 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities that could define their rebuilding efforts. Their non-conference slate includes winnable games against Texas State and Utah State, but the real tests come in Big 12 play where they'll face Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas State in consecutive weeks. Historically, Baylor has struggled in these types of stretches, winning only 2 of their last 15 games against ranked opponents. Changing this trend requires developing the mental resilience that Sityodtong described - that championship mindset that enables performers to deliver when it matters most.
Facility improvements and program infrastructure represent another critical component that often gets overlooked in public discussions. Baylor has invested approximately $15 million in facility upgrades over the past two years, including a new nutrition center and expanded sports performance facilities. While these investments might not show immediate returns on the scoreboard, they create the foundation for long-term success by enhancing player development and recruitment capabilities. Having visited these facilities myself last spring, I can attest to their quality and potential impact on player development.
What excites me most about Baylor's potential turnaround is the cultural foundation that Aranda has been building. Multiple players I've spoken with describe a growing sense of brotherhood and accountability within the program - intangible elements that often precede tangible success. This cultural development reminds me of how championship teams in any sport develop what I call "competitive cohesion" - that unquantifiable bond that enables teams to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. It's the same quality that enables fighters like Joshua to deliver epic performances when championships are on the line.
As we look toward the 2024 season, my prediction is that Baylor will show significant improvement, likely finishing 8-4 with key wins against at least two ranked opponents. The rebuilding process won't be linear - there will be setbacks and growing pains - but the foundation for sustainable success is being laid. Just as Joshua had to work through challenges to cement his status as the world's best strawweight, Baylor must embrace the struggle of rebuilding. The path won't be easy, but with the right mentality and execution, they can absolutely restore their winning legacy. What makes me confident isn't just the X's and O's, but the growing belief within the program that mirrors the certainty Sityodtong expressed about Joshua's championship performance.