Waco, TX— In a surprising discovery that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, CBS Sports has officially named the Baylor Bears as one of the “most-improved” rosters in the NCAA coming into the 2017 season. The announcement, which was part of CBS’s complete preseason breakdown, sparked debate around the country: Could Baylor be the sleeping behemoth of the 2025 College Football Playoff race?.
After a few rocky seasons, Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda appears to have pulled off a roster overhaul masterclass. By combining shrewd use of the transfer portal with a surge of dynamic high school prospects, the Bears are emerging from a rebuilding phase with teeth bared and claws sharpened. CBS analysts complimented the Bears for what they described as “a blueprint for modern roster management,” highlighting major additions on both sides of the ball.
“This isn’t just improvement,” CBS source Barrett Sallee explained. “It is strategic evolution. Baylor has the potential to leap from middle-of-the-pack to Big 12 dark horse — or better — virtually overnight.
The Bears made great progress at quarterback by increasing depth and competition in the room. Sophomore standout Sawyer Robertson returns stronger, and Baylor has recruited a veteran transfer known for his arm strength and football IQ. At running back, the committee approach is now led by a breakout contender with outstanding speed, adding a new dimension to Baylor’s offense.
Perhaps the most noticeable transformation has occurred on the defensive side. Aranda, a defensive genius renowned throughout college football, has overseen the reconstruction of the Bears’ secondary and front seven. The transfer of a former All-SEC linebacker, along with the emergence of high-ceiling freshman on the defensive line, implies that the Bears are poised to restore the stingy reputation that earned them the Big 12 championship just a few seasons ago.
Another significant aspect in Baylor’s resurgence? Coaching continuity and enhancements. Aranda has retooled his staff, recently adding a former Big 12 head coach as an advisor – a move that has already received high praise from insiders and NFL scouts alike. This combination of ingenuity and expertise enables Baylor to adapt to new college football trends while maintaining its basic character of toughness, discipline, and defensive excellence.
The question has shifted from improvement to contention. Can Baylor make a serious run at the College Football Playoff?
The extended playoff format, which will be available in 2025, has the potential to revolutionize the game for growing programs like Baylor. With a deeper roster, battle-tested coaching, and a reasonable early-season schedule, the Bears might approach October in a strong position to create noise, especially if they can avoid matchups against Texas Tech, Kansas State, and a new-look Oklahoma State.
The buzz in Waco is genuine. Season ticket sales are up, practices are well-attended, and the players exude quiet confidence.
One thing is certain: Baylor is not simply rebuilding. They’re reloading, and the rest of college football should take notice.
The Bears are back. And this time, they may not simply knock on the CFP door; they may kick it open. 🐻🔥🏈