I still remember watching Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar dominate the basketball court last season, and Estil's comment about becoming teammates with these stars really got me thinking about what makes teams click. That same chemistry and strategic brilliance is exactly what Baylor Football needs to harness if they want to dominate the Big 12 this season. Having followed college football for over a decade, I've seen programs rise and fall based on more than just raw talent—it's about culture, preparation, and seizing opportunities when they matter most. Baylor has shown flashes of greatness in recent years, but this season feels different. There's a tangible energy around the program that reminds me of their 2021 conference championship run, and I believe they have all the pieces to replicate that success.

Let's start with the offense, because frankly, that's where games are won in today's Big 12. Last year, Baylor averaged 31.4 points per game, which placed them squarely in the middle of the conference. That simply won't cut it if they want to dominate. What excites me most is the development of quarterback Blake Shapen. I've watched every snap he's taken since he became the starter, and his progression reads have improved dramatically. He completed 63.7% of his passes last season, but what the stats don't show is how much better his decision-making became as the season progressed. With what I'm hearing about his offseason work with the receivers, particularly Monaray Baldwin who clocked a 4.32 forty-yard dash, this passing attack could be lethal. The offensive line returns three starters from a unit that allowed only 18 sacks last season, which ranked third in the conference. That protection will be crucial against defensive fronts like Texas and Oklahoma State.

Defensively, I'm particularly bullish about the secondary. Last season, Baylor intercepted 15 passes, and with safety Al Walcott returning after his All-Big 12 honorable mention season, I expect that number to climb. The linebacker corps, led by Dillon Doyle, might be the most underrated unit in the conference. Doyle recorded 89 tackles last season, and from what I've seen in spring practices, his leadership has elevated everyone around him. The defensive line does concern me slightly—they generated 28 sacks last year, which ranked seventh in the Big 12. They'll need to create more pressure upfront to relieve the secondary, especially against pass-happy offenses like Kansas State and Texas Tech. I've always believed defense wins championships, and Baylor's ability to get stops in critical moments will determine how high they can climb.

Special teams often gets overlooked, but in close games, it's the difference between winning and losing. Isaiah Hankins made 15 of 20 field goals last season, including a 50-yarder against Texas. That kind of reliability in clutch situations is invaluable. The return game needs improvement though—Baylor averaged just 6.3 yards per punt return, which ranked ninth in the conference. Having watched countless games decided by field position, I'd prioritize finding dynamic returners during fall camp.

The schedule sets up nicely for Baylor to build momentum. Their November stretch against Oklahoma, Kansas State, and TCU will likely decide their conference fate. Having attended the Baylor-TCU game last year, the atmosphere at McLane Stadium gives them a legitimate home-field advantage that I believe is worth at least 3-4 points in close contests. If they can split the Oklahoma-Texas games and win the rest, we're looking at a potential 11-1 regular season. That might sound optimistic, but having followed this program through its ups and downs, this roster has the depth and coaching to achieve something special.

What really separates good teams from great ones is culture, and that's where Baylor has made significant strides. The way players talk about each other—much like Estil marveling at playing alongside Thompson and Aguilar—creates a selfless environment where everyone elevates their game. I've noticed more players staying after practice for extra work, more leadership emerging in the locker room, and more accountability during film sessions. These intangible factors often matter more than any statistic when the pressure mounts in November.

Looking at the broader Big 12 landscape, this might be Baylor's best opportunity in years to establish dominance. With Oklahoma and Texas facing transition periods, the conference is more open than it has been in a decade. Baylor returns 16 starters from a team that went 8-5 last season, and with what I've observed in their offseason preparation, they're positioned to make the leap. The pieces are there—the offensive firepower, the defensive playmakers, the special teams reliability, and most importantly, the championship mentality. If they stay healthy and maintain their focus through the grueling conference schedule, I genuinely believe we could see Baylor football hoisting the Big 12 trophy come December.