ESPN updates 2026 recruiting rankings, lists Baylor at No. 3 in the Big 12 Conference
Recruiting has slowed up for Baylor since a hot July in which the Bears landed Jamarion Carlton, Jordan Clay, and Jae'lin Battle. Since losing safety Jordan Deck to the Michigan Wolverines -- Baylor has yet to land another 2026 prospect. But luckily for Dave Aranda, the class that he has built so far is a talented one.
According to ESPN's latest 2026 recruiting rankings, Baylor has the No. 27 class in the country -- even without gaining anymore talented prospects.
"Baylor picked up a WR with strong ties to the program in London Smith, whose father was a football and basketball star at Baylor and whose mother was a national champion triple jumper for the Bears. Unsurprisingly, London is a quick, smooth target with good body control. Another key add at WR is Jordan Clay, a nice-sized target at close to 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds who also possesses very good body control.
"Further capitalizing on in-state talent, Baylor landed ESPN 300 DE Jamarion Carlton and ESPN 300 CB Jamarion Vincent, who possesses coveted size at roughly 6-2 and blends that with good speed and smooth movements."
In ESPN's current rankings, Baylor is one spot below Big 12 rival Texas Tech. BYU is the highes ranked Big 12 team, per ESPN, which is ranked at No. 19.
Baylor is looking ahead
While the Bears are nowhere near finished recruiting the 2026 class, Baylor has shifted its sights on the 2027 class, too. One player Baylor should focus on his four-star QB Malachi Zeigler, who might be trending to another Texas school -- SMU.
With Sawyer Robertson gone after this season, it's vital for Baylor to continue to add to its QB room. The Bears will have Walker White for next season, and Baylor has three-star Quinn Murphy committed in the 2026 class -- but being in a passing league, the Bears will need to continue to add talent.
- Enjoy more Baylor Bears coverage on Baylor Bears On SI -
More News:
Big-time Baylor football weapon set to miss entire 2025 season
National CBS college football writer showers Baylor RB Bryson Washington with love
Could an early game against Baylor seal the fate of an SEC coach?
Big 12 battle brews as Baylor pursues promising SEC commit
Baylor football receives late commitment to fortify the defensive line
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
-c6d300a6cd3bbc37e5025fa0d47bc7a7.jpeg "Trent Knoop")
Trent is the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI and also serves as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines on SI. His work has additionally been featured on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.