Waco, Texas — The Baylor Bears athletic department is currently the subject of rumors in an environment where NCAA investigations and conference fines appear to be getting worse every week. Following recent high-profile compliance scandals at Texas, BYU, and Oklahoma, there is growing conjecture that Baylor may be the next Big 12 powerhouse to come under investigation.
Although no official accusations have been released as of yet, several insiders have reported that NCAA investigators have shown “heightened interest” in recent months in investigating possible NIL violations, recruiting practices, and institutional governance in Baylor’s men’s basketball and football teams.
Sources close to Big 12 compliance circles say that a number of red flags have emerged, including rumors of performance bonuses in NIL contracts that might go beyond authorized perks and dubious connections between influential donors and top high school recruits.
One unnamed Big 12 official said, “This is not about whether Baylor is winning — it’s about how they’re winning.” Concerns have been raised over the degree to which some collectives and boosters influence sports decision-making. That quickly becomes complicated.
Reports of third-party NIL collectives offering what some are referring to as “conditional agreements,” in which players are purportedly guaranteed specific financial incentives only if they commit to or stay with the Baylor program, are at the heart of these worries. Despite the fact that these agreements are already widespread across the country, their legality frequently depends on how actively school administrators facilitate or support them.
In a well-crafted statement, the Baylor athletic department—headed by athletic director Mack Rhoades—reacted to the commotion by saying, “We remain committed to full compliance with all NCAA and Big 12 regulations.” Our compliance office will thoroughly examine any implication that Baylor does not uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Baylor has previously been under NCAA scrutiny. After ten years of scandals and past violations, the university is still working to restore its reputation across the country. Because of this, Baylor has made significant efforts in recent years to improve institutional control and upgrade its compliance infrastructure. However, even well-intentioned programs might falter due to the transfer portal and the constantly changing NIL regulations.
Some think that part of what’s drawing attention is Baylor’s comeback in football, along with their increasing dominance in both men’s and women’s basketball. Some commentators have questioned how a mid-sized private university has become such a reliable destination for high talent after a few notable recruits have openly mentioned “elite NIL opportunities” in Waco.
Bears fans mainly support the program, citing the lack of formal probes or verified infractions. However, there is a sense of unease among graduates and boosters who recall how rapidly reputations can crumble.
As the NCAA modernizes its enforcement tactics and the Big 12 seeks to consolidate its post-realignment identity, Baylor’s presence in these discussions is far from ideal. It’s unclear whether this is just smoke or the start of something far larger.