Mike Locksley’s firing has already pushed Maryland into a period of uncertainty, and while no Terrapin has publicly entered the transfer portal yet, that could change once the program hires a permanent head coach. From there, players will have a 15-day window to declare themselves available. For Baylor, that makes this a situation worth watching closely.
The Bears could find real fits if Maryland talent starts to shake loose, especially with a few players who match what Dave Aranda and his staff like to do. One of the names that jumps out is Malik Washington, a sophomore who arrived with major fanfare as a former top 15 national high school prospect. Maryland’s offense struggled this season, but Washington’s physical gifts and upside have him viewed as the most sought-after potential Terrapin transfer if he chooses to move on.
That kind of profile lines up with Baylor’s recent interest in high-ceiling quarterbacks. Aranda and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital recruited DJ Lagway, and Washington’s raw ability could make him an appealing option in a system built to help quarterbacks grow. If one or both of Lagway and Nate Bennett were to leave after this season, Washington could bring youth back into the Bears’ quarterback room next year.
On the defensive side, Zion Elee might be the biggest prize of the group if he ever hits the portal. At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, the freshman edge rusher has already produced 7 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season. That kind of pass-rushing production makes him one of the most coveted defensive players in the country, and the fact that he’s only a freshman only adds to the appeal.
Baylor’s defensive setup could make sense for him, too. Aranda’s scheme and defensive play-caller Joe Klanderman both lean into pressure coming off the edge, which is exactly where Elee makes his money. Put him in that front, and Baylor would instantly get closer to having one of the Big 12’s most dangerous pass rushes.
Then there’s Darrell Carey, another freshman who could fit what the Bears need in the secondary. At 6-foot-2, he brings size, range and a reputation as a hard-hitting defensive back with starting upside. Baylor has to win in the Big 12 with depth and talent in the back end, and Carey has the look of a player who could handle that role after already spending a season battling Big Ten competition.
If Maryland’s roster starts to move after Locksley’s departure, these are three names Baylor should be prepared to monitor closely.
In Other News...
Baylor's Guards Could Expose Illinois In A Way Fans Notice
Illinois has already shown some early cracks against dynamic perimeter scorers, and Baylors backcourt is the kind of group that can turn those issues into a bigger talking point. In exhibition play, Cincinnatis Tylen Riley piled up 31 points and 13 assists against the Illini, while Baylor guard Kayden Mingo went for 31 in an overtime win over Florida, a reminder of how much damage a confident, high-volume guard can do when the defense struggles to stay in front.
For Baylor, that creates an opening worth watching whenever these teams meet. The Bears do not need a perfect offensive night to stress Illinois if their guards can get downhill, create space and force the kind of reactions that have already given the Illini trouble. The bigger question is whether Illinois has the personnel to keep that from becoming a recurring problem once the games count. [Read more 🡒]
Baylors Offense Is Back Under Pressure Heading Into Kansas
Baylors offense has quickly become a focal point again after a rough showing against TCU left the Bears looking out of sync in all the places they can least afford it. The run game never found footing, the line had trouble creating space, and the passing attack did not provide enough relief, leaving Dave Aranda and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital with plenty to sort out before Kansas comes to town.
The concerns stretch beyond one bad afternoon because the issues were spread across the operation, from the protection up front to the way the receivers created separation and the accuracy from quarterback DJ Lagway. With Kansas next, Baylor does not just need a cleaner script - it needs a response that shows the problems were a one-game setback and not a deeper trend. [Read more 🡒]
Baylor Heads To Kansas With Dave Aranda Under Real Pressure
The pressure around Dave Aranda has been building quickly after Baylors recent loss to TCU, and the Bears are now heading into a stretch that feels pivotal for the direction of the program. At 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big 12, Baylor is still very much in the mix, but the margin for error has narrowed enough that every week now carries a little more weight than the last.
Kansas is the immediate hurdle, and the conversation around Aranda has already moved beyond one game into what might come next if the Bears stumble again. Media speculation has even started to surface a potential replacement in Boise State coach Spencer Danielson, a reminder of how fast the spotlight can shift when a season starts to feel like a referendum on the head coach. [Read more 🡒]