Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears represent Baylor University, competing in the Big 12 Conference from McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco. The Bears embody the spirit of Texas private school football, with a program that has experienced dramatic peaks under Art Briles and resurgence under Dave Aranda. Baylor has cultivated an offensive identity that has produced high-scoring attacks and Heisman-contending quarterbacks. The program competes in the Big 12 alongside the state's public university powers. Bear fans bring a passionate, faith-based community energy to gameday. Baylor's beautiful riverfront stadium and distinctive green and gold create a unique identity in the conference.

Baylor football began in 1899, and the program rose to national prominence under Grant Teaff in the 1970s and 1980s and later under Art Briles. Robert Griffin III won the Heisman in 2011, leading Baylor to unprecedented success. The Bears won back-to-back Big 12 titles in 2013 and 2014. The rivalry with TCU—the Revivalry—and with Texas have defined the schedule. Baylor's journey from Southwest Conference also-ran to national contender, and through scandal and rebuild, reflects the program's resilience. The Bears' identity as a program that can compete with the state's giants has been proven repeatedly.