KFord Ratings ranks Baylor in preseason top-25

The Baylor Bears are getting some respect by some afterall.
Nov 2, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA;  Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

In this story:


When the preseason AP poll dropped last week, the Baylor Bears were left just outside of the top-25. They received the 28th most votes, but they and Auburn will both walk into week one unranked. However, the Kelley Ford Ratings poll seems to believe the Bears are a top-25 team.

KFord has created their own rankings for years now, and this year, they're going against the AP voters and ranking the Bears in the top-25, just ahead of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Louisville Cardinals.

Baylor's offense carries them in KFord's rankings. KFord uses a 0-100 scale for both offense and defense to help create their rankings, and the Bears received an 89.5 offensive rating, which ranks 16th in the country. Their offensive ranking is sandwiched between two SEC schools - Ole Miss at 15 and Texas A&M at 17.

Defensively, KFord has Baylor down at 57th, just behind JMU and ahead of N.C. State. The Bears' defense was subpar last year to say the least, but they've added a ton of talent through the portal while retaining some of their key players. Dave Aranda himself said that they have more talent on the defensive side of the ball this year than in recent years, and expects that unit to be much improved from the one that gave up over 28 points per game in 2024.

There are some lofty expectations for Baylor's offense, which is led by senior quarterback Sawyer Robertson. They averaged 39.9 points per game in their last seven games of 2024, and have only gotten better personnel-wise. They should be able to run up the scoreboard on most of their opponents, but they really need their defense to step up if they want a chance at the Big 12 title and a CFP berth.

Enjoy more Baylor Bears coverage on Baylor Bears On SI -

More News:

Bold predictions for Baylor's 2025 football season

PFF leaves Baylor off its top 25 list, ranks Auburn in big week 1 showdown

Predicting every win/loss for all 16 Big 12 Football teams in 2025

Predicting stat lines for Baylor's offensive playmakers in 2025

What the 2024 CFP would have looked like under the Big Ten's new proposed model?

Dave Aranda identifies transfer WR as one of Baylor's 'top guys'

For additional coverage of Baylor University Athletics

Follow us on Facebook: @BaylorBearsOnSI

Follow us on X/Twitter:@BaylorBearsOnSI

Follow us on Instagram: @BaylorBearsOnSI

Subscribe to us on Youtube: @BaylorBearsOnSI

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations


Published
Luke Hubbard
LUKE HUBBARD

Luke is a writer for the Baylor Bears On SI. He's an LSU graduate and previously covered the Tigers for two years. He also covers the New Orleans Saints and Formula 1. Luke's passion for sports and storytelling led him to become a sports writer.

Share on XFollow Clukehubbard