Bears Go Bowling
Baylor football wrapped up its 2024 campaign with remarkable momentum, completing its longest winning streak to end a regular season in program history.
At press time, the Bears (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) were preparing to face LSU in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on Dec. 31 at NRG Stadium in Houston, marking their 27th bowl appearance and continuing a recent run of 12 bowl berths in the past 15 seasons.
The season was one of resilience and growth for the Bears, overcoming early setbacks in a 2-4 start to the schedule. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda led the team to a strong finish, highlighted by standout performances from both seasoned veterans and rising newcomers. Baylor’s success on the field was complemented by outstanding individual honors as the team earned 15 All-Big 12 awards, including four first-team selections: Josh Cameron (KR/PR), Matt Jones (LB), Keaton Thomas (LB) and Palmer Williams (P). Additionally, redshirt junior Michael Trigg (TE) earned second-team recognition.
Baylor’s strong season featured contributions from throughout the roster and depth chart. Cameron, one of the nation’s top return specialists, led the Big 12 in punt return yardage, while Thomas was named Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Freshman Bryson Washington also received accolades as both Offensive Freshman of the Year and Offensive Newcomer of the Year, marking a dominating debut season for the running back who posted the first rookie 1,000-yard rushing effort in school history.
Baylor’s defense, led by veterans like Jones and Thomas, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Led by QB Sawyer Robertson and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, the offense hit its stride mid-season and saw players like Washington, Trigg and Cameron form Baylor into a balanced and explosive force in the Big 12.
Baylor’s 2024 season also was about laying the groundwork for future success. The Bears made significant strides in their efforts to recruit top talent and immediate contributors, with Coach Aranda and his staff securing a signing class of 21 that is ranked as the third-best in the Big 12 and 34th nationally by 247sports.
As the team prepared for its postseason matchup against LSU, Baylor football fans could look back on a season defined by growth, resilience and grit. With a strong finish to the regular season and a bright future ahead, the Bears are poised to continue building on their success, with the Texas Bowl serving as an exciting opportunity to add a bow to a historic and dynamic campaign.
Baylor will open the 2025 season at home vs. Auburn of the SEC on Aug. 30 at McLane Stadium.