Baylor Football Engaged in Intense In-State Recruiting War with Texas and Texas A\&M for Top High School Talent.
The Baylor Bears find themselves in the midst of one of the most competitive recruiting battles in recent program history as they go head-to-head with two of their fiercest in-state rivals, the Texas Longhorns and Texas A\&M Aggies, for elite high school football talent across the state of Texas. With the college football landscape evolving rapidly due to NIL deals, the transfer portal, and conference realignments, the pressure to build a strong foundation through high school recruiting has never been more intense. And for Baylor, a program seeking to assert itself as a perennial contender in the new-look Big 12, every in-state commitment matters more than ever.
Texas has always been one of the richest recruiting territories in the country. With hundreds of high school football programs, the Lone Star State consistently produces blue-chip talent at nearly every position. For decades, the University of Texas and Texas A\&M have dominated the in-state recruiting scene, often pulling in top 10 national classes based almost entirely on prospects within their home borders. But Baylor has never backed down from a fight. Over the years, the Bears have landed their share of stars—some overlooked, some undervalued, and some simply better fits in Waco than Austin or College Station. Now, in 2025, Baylor is pushing harder than ever to challenge the traditional recruiting powers and make its case to Texas’s top athletes.
Head coach Dave Aranda, entering another pivotal season at the helm in Waco, understands the stakes. Since arriving in 2020, Aranda has built a reputation for defensive excellence and quiet leadership. But on the recruiting trail, he and his staff have increasingly become aggressive in their efforts to flip the narrative around Baylor football. While the Bears might not boast the same financial resources or historical pedigree as Texas or A\&M, they’ve made up ground with player development, strong culture, and early playing time opportunities that appeal to recruits looking for both structure and a path to the field.
The 2025 recruiting cycle has seen several high-profile battles unfold, particularly for four-star and five-star prospects who reside in key regions like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and East Texas. One such example is wide receiver Jaylen Curtis out of North Shore High School in Houston. A dynamic athlete with speed, size, and route-running ability, Curtis has offers from nearly every major Power Five program, but his final three includes Texas, Texas A\&M, and Baylor. While the Longhorns were early favorites and A\&M made a strong push in the spring, Baylor’s coaching staff has maintained a consistent relationship with Curtis and his family, emphasizing how he could become the featured weapon in their offense from Day 1.
Then there’s linebacker Kendell Freeman from Longview, who’s drawn comparisons to former Baylor greats like Terrel Bernard and Bryce Hager. Freeman’s recruitment has been especially intense, with Texas pitching the prestige of playing in the SEC under Steve Sarkisian and A\&M offering the allure of a pro-ready defense and NIL incentives. But Baylor has quietly remained in the hunt, with Freeman reportedly impressed by the team’s culture, facilities, and academic support. Aranda’s defensive background has also played a key role, with Freeman publicly praising the way Baylor utilizes its linebackers and emphasizes technique, film study, and discipline.
Another name to watch is quarterback DeMarcus Hill from Duncanville, a dual-threat talent who many believe could be the future face of whichever program lands him. Hill, who has led his high school team deep into the state playoffs multiple times, has already visited all three campuses and is weighing his options carefully. Texas is offering a chance to follow in the footsteps of Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, while Texas A\&M is selling Hill on the stability of their new offensive coordinator and revamped quarterback room. Baylor, meanwhile, has offered Hill a unique pitch—come in early, compete for the starting job, and be the leader of a class that could redefine Baylor football.
The battles aren’t just limited to the skill positions. In the trenches, Baylor is also fighting to land top-tier linemen, both offensive and defensive. Players like Tyrese Dawson, a powerful offensive tackle from Katy, and defensive end Marcus Lott from DeSoto, are hearing pitches from all three schools. For Baylor, these battles often come down to building trust and selling development. While Texas and A\&M can flash bigger brands and larger NIL collectives, Baylor’s track record of turning three-star linemen into All-Big 12 performers is beginning to resonate with recruits looking for the best long-term fit.
What makes this year different is the sense of urgency coming from all sides. For Texas, there’s the desire to dominate their final Big 12 cycle before fully immersing themselves in the SEC. For Texas A\&M, it’s about reestablishing themselves as the top destination in the state after a rocky few seasons and coaching changes. And for Baylor, it’s about proving that 2021’s Big 12 title wasn’t a one-off—that they can build a sustainable winner even while operating in the shadows of bigger brands.
The NIL era has also added new wrinkles to every recruiting pitch. While Baylor may not boast the largest war chest in Texas, the program has embraced the new rules by building strategic partnerships and helping players understand how to build and maintain their personal brands. Several current and former Bears have used Baylor’s platform to earn opportunities that extend beyond football, which has become a focal point in many recruiting conversations. The staff’s message is simple—come to Baylor, and you’ll be developed as a man, student, and athlete.
The recruiting rivalry has also taken on a new tone in the age of social media. Recruits now announce their top schools, visits, and commitments in public forums, giving fans a glimpse into the ongoing tug-of-war between programs. Baylor fans, often described as loyal and tight-knit, have begun to make more noise online, supporting prospects and spreading the message that Baylor is a rising force. Texas and A\&M supporters, not surprisingly, have responded with bravado of their own, confident that their programs will continue to pull in top-five classes. The result is a 24/7 recruiting cycle that never sleeps and rarely takes a breath.
Despite all the noise, the Baylor coaching staff remains laser-focused on what they can control—evaluations, relationships, and consistency. That approach has yielded dividends already, with several 2025 commits choosing Baylor over more high-profile programs. These early wins send a strong message: Baylor is no longer content playing second fiddle. They’re in the fight, and they’re not backing down.
Looking ahead, Baylor’s success in this cycle will likely come down to how well they can close in the final months leading up to signing day. Official visits, in-home visits, and mid-season performance will all factor heavily into final decisions. If Baylor can show on the field that it’s a program on the rise, it may be able to tip a few more recruiting battles in its favor.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Texas and Texas A\&M are national powers for a reason—they have deep pockets, elite facilities, historic brands, and massive fanbases. But Baylor has something that can’t be manufactured: a chip on its shoulder, a clear identity, and a belief that it can win big without compromising its values.
As the recruiting wars rage on across Texas, one thing is clear: Baylor football is no longer a program you can overlook. They’re battling for the state’s top talent with purpose, passion, and precision—and in 2025, they just might surprise a few people along the way.
