With Mike Locksley out at Maryland, the first big question is what comes next for the Terrapins’ roster. Nothing has actually started moving yet - no Maryland player has announced for the transfer portal - but that could change once a new permanent head coach is in place. At that point, current players will have a 15-day window to enter the portal, and Baylor is a school worth watching if any of the right names decide to leave.
The obvious headline target is quarterback Malik Washington. A former top 15 high school national prospect, the sophomore arrived in college with plenty of buzz, and even in a Maryland offense that struggled this season, his talent still stands out. Washington’s physical tools and upside have him viewed as the most attractive potential Terrapin transfer if he does choose to move on.
That kind of profile fits what Dave Aranda and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital have already shown they like. Baylor recruited DJ Lagway, a sign they’re drawn to quarterbacks with real ceiling, and Washington’s raw ability could make him a strong match for Spavital’s quarterback-friendly system. If Baylor ends up needing help at the position, Washington could give the Bears a multi-year option under center.
The quarterback picture in Waco could get crowded or it could open up, depending on what happens with Lagway and Nate Bennett. If either one leaves after this season, Washington would immediately become even more intriguing as a younger piece for the Bears’ quarterback room next year.
On the defensive side, Zion Elee is the kind of player who changes the conversation fast. Listed at 6'4" and 233 pounds, the freshman edge rusher has already put up 7 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles this season. That kind of production, paired with his pass-rushing ability, would make him one of the most coveted defensive players in the country if he chooses to enter the portal.
Baylor’s defensive setup could make that a natural fit. Aranda’s schemes, along with defensive play-caller Joe Klanderman, lean on pressure coming off the edge, and Elee’s disruption skills would slot right into that approach. Add him to that front, and Baylor would get a lot closer to having one of the Big 12’s most dangerous pass rushes.
Then there’s Darrell Carey, a freshman defensive back who could be a sneaky important name in this whole picture. At 6'2", Carey brings size, range, and a physical style that should play well in the Big 12, where depth and talent in the secondary matter against pass-heavy offenses.
He has already been tested in the Big Ten, and that experience could make him ready for a bigger role right away. If Carey winds up in Waco, he has the look of a potential multi-year starter and a player who could become a real problem for opposing passing attacks.
In Other News...
BYU Just Added A New Threat To Its Big 12 Push
The Big 12 race has tightened at the midpoint, and the league still has three unbeaten teams left standing in conference and overall play. BYU has been one of the surprises of the season, and its win over Notre Dame only added to the sense that the Cougars are for real even while dealing with injuries. Houston also kept itself in the mix behind Conner Weigmans passing, while Texas Techs offense has shown signs of improvement as the Red Raiders try to stay relevant in a crowded race.
For Tech, the bigger picture is that the league has started to separate a little, with some teams climbing and others leaking ground fast. Oklahoma State, Baylor and Arizona State have all been hurt by recent losses and defensive issues, which only raises the stakes for every conference weekend from here. The Red Raiders still have room to push upward, but with BYU, Houston and the other contenders setting the pace, there is less margin for error than ever. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Tech Could Catch A Break In Cincinnatis Ground Game
Cincinnatis rushing plan could look a little different against Texas Tech if GiBran Payne cannot go. The Bearcats running back is listed as questionable because of an ankle injury he picked up last week, and his status matters because he has been a key piece of their ground attack.
Cole Tabb and JC French IV have also done their part to keep Cincinnatis run game moving this season, so the Bearcats are not short on options. Still, Paynes availability is worth watching closely for Texas Tech, which would no doubt welcome any disruption to a ground game that has helped set Cincinnatis offensive tone. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Tech Has Early Fuel In A Ranking Debate Fans Hate
Texas Techs preseason buzz arrived quickly, with the Red Raiders landing at No. 19 in the AP Top-25 poll before a single meaningful game has been played. The ranking reflects the kind of anticipation that comes with a roster built around returning key pieces and reinforced by new transfers and freshmen, the sort of mix that can make October optimism feel a little more believable in Lubbock.
Now comes the part fans tend to argue about most: whether the hype is justified before the first test even tips. Texas Tech gets an early measuring stick in an Oct. 23 exhibition against Kentucky, then opens the official season Nov. 2, with bigger goals already in view - a conference title push and a run deep into March. [Read more 🡒]