Baylor’s search for a true 1,000-yard receiver has stretched since Denzel Mims hit that mark in 2019, with Tyquan Thornton coming close in 2021 and Josh Cameron getting a shot this past season. Now Gavin Freeman is stepping into the picture with a clear goal in mind.
Freeman made it plain this spring that Baylor’s offense was a major part of what drew him to Waco. He started at Oklahoma, spent two seasons buried on the depth chart, then moved on to Oklahoma State, where he finally found a bigger role. In 2025, he led the Cowboys with 53 catches for 481 yards and four touchdowns, and he believes there’s more in him to unlock under offensive coordinator Jake Spavital and position coach Dallas Baker.
"100 percent. When I got the call from Coach Spav and Baker, and they're talking about all the things they do with the offense, how they move around, and looking at the stats from last year and seeing where Coach Spav has come from, I was like, it's a no-brainer," Freeman said this spring. "I'm trying to touch 80 balls a year and touch 1,000 yards, so that's the best place here is to do it."
At 5'9", Freeman looks like a natural fit in the slot for Baylor in 2026, but his value goes beyond one spot. He brings speed, dependable hands and enough versatility to line up in different places. He has also handled carries out of the backfield and contributed in the return game.
Freeman has already earned the nickname "Unc" around the team, a nod to being one of the veterans in the room. He said he is still working on becoming a more vocal leader, but backup quarterback Nate Bennett has already taken notice of what he brings.
"Gavin Freeman from Oklahoma State is a stud, right," said Bennett. "Crazy good speed, played a lot of ball in a similar system at OU and OSU, and so we've gotten really close off the field. He was with me in spring break in California, so that was super fun, and just, like, getting to know him better."
Freeman’s path to Baylor had one more twist. After entering the transfer portal from Oklahoma State, he was committed to Tennessee, and the Volunteers wanted him to help their offense in 2026. But once he learned DJ Lagway was headed to Waco, Freeman changed course and chose Baylor instead.
He said he and the rest of the wide receiver group are still building chemistry with Lagway, even though the Willis (TX) product’s talent is obvious.
"He's a good player. He's super smart," said Freeman.
"It's been just trying to get on the same page because it's a big deal. It's a big deal to get down with the QBs, especially for him to trust us and know our tendencies.
We've got to be on the same page."
Fans will get their first chance to see Freeman in a Baylor uniform on Sept, 5 against Auburn.
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Wide receivers coach Dallas Baker has seen the payoff in the day-to-day work, describing Brown as a tougher, smarter and more dependable presence who has grown into a leader. Browns path now points toward a bigger role in 2026, when Baylor expects him to be part of the rotation and a player who can line up inside or outside, giving the Bears another experienced option as they build out the passing game. [Read more 🡒]