Future Bears Alert: Baylor’s Top Targets and Commitments

As I take a deeper dive into Baylor's recruiting approach this spring, one thing is clear — they're making Texas a top priority. The staff has been aggressive on the trail, hitting schools across the state, building relationships, and identifying high-level athletes early. From under-the-radar prospects to established playmakers, Baylor is casting a wide net while staying intentional with their targets, showing a clear focus on locking down in-state talent.   They're not just stopping by campuses — they're evaluating in person, watching workouts, and getting a real feel for who fits their system both on and off the field. Position coaches are dialing in on specific needs, while also staying flexible enough to offer dynamic athletes who can develop into multiple roles at the next level. There's a noticeable emphasis on speed, versatility, and football IQ, which lines up with how they want to play moving forward.   What stands out most is the consistency — Baylor isn't just recruiting Texas, they're attacking it with purpose. The relationships being built right now could pay off big down the line, especially as they continue to identify risers and secure early momentum with key targets across the state. Here are the current commits of the Baylor Bears:   Current Commits:    Karece is the definition of a true athlete — a dynamic playmaker who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he's electric with the ball in his hands, rushing for 1,102 yards and 22 touchdowns on just 111 carries while also adding 26 receptions for 400 yards and 5 more scores through the air. His ability to create in space, change direction, and finish runs makes him a constant big-play threat.   On the defensive side, Karece is just as disruptive. He totaled 45 tackles, including 38 solo stops, while showing his instincts and ball skills in the secondary with 6 interceptions — tying a record — along with 6 pass breakups. Add in 3 tackles for loss, 4 fumble recoveries, and a pick-six, and it's clear he has a knack for finding the football and making game-changing plays.   What adds even more momentum to his rise is the fact that he made his commitment official on October 11, 2025, a major moment in his recruiting journey. With his production, versatility, and proven ability to make winning plays,      [player_tooltip player_id='1351584' first='Luke' last='Babin'] is a quarterback who delivered a standout season and recently committed to Baylor. He threw for 3,063 yards and 40 touchdowns while keeping mistakes to a minimum with just 5 interceptions, showing strong control of the offense and consistent decision-making throughout the year.   What stands out most about Babin is his ability to operate strictly as a pocket passer with confidence and rhythm. He processes quickly, delivers the ball on time, and consistently pushes the ball downfield with accuracy. His production reflects a quarterback who understands timing, reads defenses well, and executes within structure at a high level.   With his commitment to Baylor now official, the Bears are adding a polished passer who brings efficiency, poise, and proven production under center — a strong foundational piece for their future at quarterback.      Kirkland is a safety who set the tone early as the first commit in Baylor's 2027 class, bringing both leadership and versatility to the back end of the defense. What stands out about his game is his instinctive play style — he reads routes quickly, reacts downhill with confidence, and consistently puts himself in position to make plays on the ball.   In coverage, he shows solid range and awareness, able to track the quarterback while staying disciplined in zone or matching up in space. He's not afraid to step up in run support either, showing physicality as a tackler and willingness to fill lanes when needed. That blend of instincts, toughness, and ball skills makes him a reliable presence in the secondary.   As an early commit, Kirkland represents a key foundation piece for the class — a player who brings energy, effort, and consistency every time he steps on the field.      Jalen is a defensive lineman who brings physicality, effort, and consistent disruption along the front. As a committed prospect who made his decision on January 1st, 2026, he adds an early cornerstone piece to his class on the defensive side of the ball.   What stands out in his game is how active he is at the line of scrimmage. He plays with strong hands, keeps pressure on blockers, and works to stay involved in every rep. Whether he's collapsing the pocket or setting the edge in the run game, he shows the ability to hold his ground and create problems for opposing offenses.   Jalen's motor is another key factor — he plays hard snap after snap and doesn't quit on plays. That effort, combined with his physical presence up front, makes him a dependable defensive lineman with the tools to continue developing into a steady force in the trenches.      Hudson is an offensive lineman whose tape shows a player who consistently competes and understands how to stay effective within his assignments. He doesn't just rely on size—he plays with awareness, effort, and a steady approach that keeps him involved in every snap.   On film in the run game, Hudson stands out for his ability to stay engaged through contact. He works to establish position early and shows a good feel for maintaining blocks rather than just landing the initial hit. You see him finish plays by staying attached and driving his feet, especially when he gets his hands set inside. He's most effective when he stays balanced and plays through his base, which allows him to sustain longer reps.   In pass protection, his tape shows a player who is patient out of his stance and does a solid job recognizing movement in front of him. He stays square and works to mirror defenders rather than overreaching.     2027 Current Targets:    Trenton is a defensive back who plays with confidence and strong awareness on the back end. He shows good instincts in coverage, often reading the quarterback and breaking on the ball at the right time instead of just reacting late. That anticipation helps him stay in position and limit big plays.   In one-on-one situations, Trenton competes well and isn't afraid to challenge receivers at the line or stay physical through the route. He shows solid footwork and balance when flipping his hips, allowing him to transition smoothly in man coverage. In zone looks, he stays disciplined and communicates well with teammates, which helps keep the secondary organized.      Brennen is a shifty playmaker with the ball in his hands who can change the game in an instant. He has quick feet, smooth lateral movement, and the ability to make defenders miss in tight space or in the open field. Once he gets a step, he's tough to square up because of how well he can stop, start, and redirect without losing speed.   What stands out is his creativity after the catch/hand-off. Brennen doesn't just run plays—he turns routine touches into explosive gains by reading blocks and reacting on the fly. He shows good vision, consistently finding cutback lanes and extra yardage when plays break down.   As he continues to add strength and polish his decision-making, his shifty style makes him a constant big-play threat anytime the ball is in his hands.      Luke is a 6'5 defensive lineman who brings strong length and presence to the interior and edge. His frame alone creates problems for offensive linemen, allowing him to play with leverage while still being able to control space at the line of scrimmage.   He shows solid initial burst off the snap and uses his reach well to keep blockers off his body. When he's engaged, Luke has the ability to shed and locate the ball, especially in run support. His size allows him to eat up double teams and still hold his gap, which makes him valuable in multiple fronts.   As he continues to develop consistency with his hand usage and pad level, his upside is clear. A 6'5 frame with natural tools like his gives him the potential to grow into a disruptive presence who can impact both the run game and pass rush.      Ahzan is a defensive lineman who stands out more for his disruption than just raw stats or size. What makes him different is how often he resets the line of scrimmage without needing a perfect setup—he wins with effort, timing, and a natural feel for when to strike rather than just relying on straight power.   He plays with a controlled aggression that shows up in the small details: getting hands inside quickly, slipping blocks before they fully engage, and redirecting plays even when he's initially sealed. Instead of just chasing tackles, he creates hesitation in the offense, forcing quarterbacks and running backs to speed up decisions.   There's also a noticeable competitiveness in how he finishes plays. Even when he's not the first to contact the ball carrier, he stays in pursuit and closes space consistently.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/THEE_Ahz/status/1988754177108111469?s=20 </div></figure>    Darrien is a versatile player who shows a strong feel for the game and can impact it in multiple phases depending on where he's lined up. What stands out right away is how comfortable he is operating in space—he doesn't look rushed, and he plays with a calm confidence that lets his instincts take over.   He has good short-area movement and reacts quickly once the play develops, whether he's stepping up in run support or closing windows in coverage. Darrien doesn't overrun plays, and he does a solid job of staying balanced through contact, which helps him finish consistently instead of just getting to the right spot.   There's also a noticeable competitiveness in how he plays through the whistle. Even when the initial read doesn't go his way, he stays engaged and finds ways to still affect the play.      Chayce is a defensive back who plays with good awareness and steady confidence on the back end. He shows a natural feel for route development, often recognizing patterns early and putting himself in position before the ball arrives rather than reacting late. That anticipation helps him stay competitive in both man and zone coverage.   He moves well laterally and transitions smoothly when flipping his hips, allowing him to stay in phase with receivers through different route stems. In space, Chayce keeps his balance and does a solid job breaking down without losing leverage, which helps him limit separation on intermediate routes.      Hunter is a disruptive defensive end who consistently wrecks plays in the backfield and forces offenses to adjust their game plan. With 13 sacks, 25 TFLs, and 28 QB pressures, he shows a strong ability to get off the ball quickly and convert speed into impact. He's not just chasing stats—his pressure rate shows he can consistently collapse the pocket even when he doesn't finish the play.   On film, Hunter stands out for his effort and timing. He understands when to bend the edge, when to power through contact, and when to use his hands to shed blockers. That mix of burst and persistence makes him a constant problem for tackles, especially in obvious passing situations.   As he continues to develop his strength and pass-rush counters, his production can translate even more at higher levels. Right now, he profiles as a high-motor edge defender who can change games by himself when he gets into rhythm.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/huntermblack/status/2007206893438341403?s=20 </div></figure>    Tre is a wide receiver who brings a natural feel for creating separation and working open within the structure of an offense. He doesn't rely on just straight speed—he understands how to tempo his routes, change pace, and use subtle movements at the top of his breaks to shake defenders.   He shows good body control when adjusting to the ball, especially on throws that aren't perfectly placed. Tre is comfortable working in traffic and doesn't shy away from contested catches, showing confidence attacking the ball in the air rather than waiting on it. After the catch, he can turn short gains into extra yardage by staying balanced and slipping through arm tackles.   What stands out most is his awareness within the offense. He finds soft spots in zone coverage and gives his quarterback a reliable target when plays break down.      Brody is a wide receiver who brings a physical edge to the position and doesn't make things easy on defenders. He plays through contact well and uses his frame to shield defenders, especially on intermediate routes and contested catches. When the ball is in the air, he attacks it with confidence and strong hands.   He shows a solid understanding of leverage, working to position himself between the defender and the ball. Brody isn't just a straight-line target—he mixes in subtle route adjustments to stay open and give his quarterback a window. Once he secures the catch, he runs with purpose and looks to finish forward, picking up extra yards.      Javian is a running back who runs with a blend of patience and sudden burst that keeps defenses off balance. He doesn't rush the play—he lets blocks develop, reads his lanes, then hits the hole with quick acceleration that can catch defenders out of position.   He shows good vision in traffic, consistently finding cutback lanes and squeezing through tight spaces. Javian keeps his feet moving through contact and runs with a low center of gravity, making him tough to bring down on first contact. In the open field, he has enough shiftiness to make defenders miss without losing forward momentum.   What stands out is his feel for the game and ability to create when things aren't there. Even when a play breaks down, he finds a way to turn it into positive yardage.      Wayne is a running back who brings a downhill mentality and runs with purpose every time he touches the ball. He's at his best when he gets north-south quickly, hitting the hole with authority and forcing defenders to deal with his physicality.   He shows good contact balance, keeping his legs driving through tackles and consistently falling forward for extra yards. Wayne doesn't dance much—he makes decisive cuts and commits, which helps him stay efficient and keep the offense on schedule. In short-yardage situations, he's the type of back you can rely on to move the chains.      Willis is a running back who brings a smooth, controlled running style with the ability to make defenders miss without wasting movement. He's patient behind the line, letting blocks develop, then explodes through openings with a quick first step that creates separation.   He shows strong lateral agility, allowing him to bounce runs outside or cut back when lanes close. In space, Willis is tough to square up because of his balance and ability to change direction on the fly. He also does a good job protecting the ball and staying composed through traffic.      ordan is a true playmaker who brings dynamic versatility across RB, WR, and special teams. With the ball in his hands, he's electric—showing quick-twitch movement, sharp cuts, and the ability to make defenders miss in tight space or break loose in the open field.   At running back, he's patient with the vision to find lanes and explode through them. At receiver, he creates separation with his shiftiness and turns short catches into big gains. On special teams, his impact is immediate—he flips field position with his speed and instincts, always a threat to take it the distance.      Briceson is a wide receiver who brings a smooth, controlled style of play with the ability to consistently find ways to get open. He operates well within the flow of the offense, showing patience at the line and a good understanding of how to work against different coverages.   He has reliable hands and does a solid job securing catches in traffic, especially on timing routes and intermediate throws. Briceson isn't flashy, but he's efficient—he runs clean routes, stays balanced through his breaks, and gives his quarterback a dependable target when plays need to be extended or sustained.      Julian is a wide receiver who plays with a confident tempo and a natural understanding of how to manipulate defenders throughout his routes. He doesn't just run to spots—he changes speeds, sells his breaks, and forces defensive backs to hesitate before committing.   He shows strong ability to adjust mid-route, whether it's settling into soft areas of zone coverage or working back to his quarterback when the play extends. Julian is comfortable catching the ball in stride or in contested situations, using timing and positioning rather than just pure athleticism to win.      Trysten is an athlete who brings a versatile skill set and can impact the game in multiple phases depending on where he's lined up. He plays with a natural burst and shows the ability to accelerate quickly once he sees daylight, making him a constant threat to turn routine plays into explosive gains.   What stands out is his adaptability—Trysten looks comfortable whether he's operating in space, taking handoffs, or working in open-field situations. He shows good balance through contact and has the vision to find cutback lanes when plays break down. Defensively or on special teams, his closing speed and effort allow him to stay involved and make plays all over the field      [player_tooltip player_id='727043' first='Tre' last='Brown'] is a shifty slot receiver who thrives in space and knows how to create separation without needing elite size. He's at his best operating inside, where his quick feet and sudden changes of direction make him difficult for defenders to mirror in tight quarters.   He shows a strong feel for timing and spacing, consistently finding soft spots in zone coverage and giving his quarterback a clean target. [player_tooltip player_id='727043' first='Tre' last='Brown'] can turn short completions into bigger gains by making the first defender miss, using subtle hesitation moves and quick bursts rather than long speed.      Jeramie is a tight end who brings a strong blend of physicality and reliability to the position. He plays with a solid frame and uses it well as both a blocker and a pass-catching option, giving his offense flexibility in multiple formations.   In the run game, Jeramie shows willingness and toughness at the point of attack. He engages defenders with good effort, works to sustain blocks, and helps create movement at the line of scrimmage. As a receiver, he's dependable over the middle, showing strong hands and the ability to secure catches in traffic.   What stands out is his toughness and consistency. He's the type of tight end who does the dirty work but can also step up in key situations when the ball comes his way.      Ryker is a tight end who brings a balanced skill set as both a blocker and a receiving threat, making him a reliable piece in any offensive system. He plays with a physical mindset in the run game, showing the willingness to engage at the point of attack and sustain blocks through the whistle. His effort and hand placement allow him to create movement and help open lanes for the run game.   As a receiver, Ryker shows dependable hands and the ability to secure the ball in traffic. He works the middle of the field well, finding soft spots in coverage and presenting a steady target for his quarterback. He doesn't panic under pressure and does a solid job of finishing catches even when contested.      Brian is an offensive lineman who brings a tough, physical presence up front and sets the tone in the trenches. He plays with a strong base and a competitive mindset, showing a clear willingness to finish blocks and stay engaged through the whistle.   In the run game, Brian does a solid job generating movement at the point of attack. He uses his hands to latch on and works to drive defenders off their spot, helping create lanes for the backfield. He shows effort working to the second level and understands how to stay connected through contact.      Brian is an offensive lineman who brings a tough, physical presence up front and sets the tone in the trenches. He plays with a strong base and a competitive mindset, showing a clear willingness to finish blocks and stay engaged through the whistle.   In the run game, Brian does a solid job generating movement at the point of attack. He uses his hands to latch on and works to drive defenders off their spot, helping create lanes for the backfield. He shows effort working to the second level and understands how to stay connected through contact.      Avery is an offensive lineman who brings consistency and effort to the trenches, showing a strong understanding of his role within the offense. He plays with a steady base and doesn't shy away from contact, giving a reliable presence on the line of scrimmage.   In the run game, Avery shows good intent and works to stay engaged through the whistle. He understands angles well enough to stay in position and help create movement, especially on combo blocks where he can climb and finish at the second level. His effort stands out when plays extend beyond the initial point of attack.   In pass protection, he keeps his body controlled and works to stay balanced against defenders, doing a solid job of holding his ground when engaged.      Alexander is an offensive lineman who plays with a calm, controlled style and relies on discipline rather than panic when things get chaotic up front. He shows good awareness of his assignments and stays mentally locked in, which helps him avoid unnecessary mistakes against shifting fronts.   What stands out is how he works through reps instead of just reacting to them. In the run game, he looks to seal and redirect defenders rather than always trying to overpower them, using positioning to stay effective. He understands how to work angles and stays patient on developing plays, especially when asked to move laterally in zone concepts.      Jayden is a 6'4 offensive lineman who brings a strong physical profile and growing upside to the front line. His frame gives him natural advantage in length and reach, allowing him to engage defenders early and keep control of the rep once he's locked in.   In the run game, Jayden shows a solid ability to create movement when he plays with proper leverage. He works to stay connected through contact and has the tools to seal lanes on the edge or help generate push inside. His size helps him absorb contact, but his effectiveness improves when he stays low and plays through his base.      Braylon is a linebacker whose tape shows a player with strong instincts and a natural feel for finding the football. He plays with good urgency downhill and doesn't hesitate when he reads run—once he sees it, he triggers quickly and commits to the play.   On film in the run game, Braylon stands out for how fast he diagnoses blocking schemes and fills gaps with intent. He shows solid physicality at contact and isn't afraid to step into traffic to make plays at or near the line of scrimmage. His ability to scrape and stay involved in pursuit keeps him around the ball consistently.   In pass situations, his tape shows a linebacker who is improving in coverage awareness. He can drop into zones and stay disciplined with his eyes on the quarterback, helping take away quick throws underneath. When he's asked to match in space, he competes and stays engaged, even if he's still developing consistency in those matchups.      Jaden is a defensive back whose tape shows a player with good awareness and a steady approach in coverage. He plays with confidence on the back end and doesn't get rattled when challenged vertically, staying composed through the route instead of guessing early.   On film, Jaden stands out for his ability to stay in phase and mirror receivers through their breaks. He shows solid hip fluidity when flipping and does a good job maintaining leverage, especially in man coverage situations. In zone looks, he keeps his eyes disciplined and reads the quarterback well enough to break on throws when they're available.   What stands out most is his positioning and patience. Jaden doesn't overcommit—he trusts his technique and stays in control of his movements, which helps him limit big plays.     Baylor's recruiting approach right now is clearly centered on building balance and depth across the roster rather than just stacking one position group. They're targeting players with versatility, toughness, and developmental upside—guys who can fit multiple roles, especially on defense and in the trenches. There's also a noticeable emphasis on athletes who can play fast, stay disciplined, and contribute in different phases of the game, not just specialists.

As I take a deeper dive into Baylor's recruiting approach this spring, one thing is clear — they're making Texas a top priority. The staff has been aggressive on the trail, hitting schools across the state, building relationships, and identifying high-level athletes early. From under-the-radar prospects to established playmakers, Baylor is casting a wide net while staying intentional with their targets, showing a clear focus on locking down in-state talent.

Karece Hoyt

ATH

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 200

POS ATH

CLASS 2027

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Karece Hoyt

State: Texas

State: Texas

School: Atascocita

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Future Bears Alert: Baylor’s Top Targets and Commitments

In this article:

Karece Hoyt

Karece Hoyt

Highlights

Luke Babin

Luke Babin

Highlights

Davontrae Kirkland

Davontrae Kirkland

Highlights

Jalen Price

Jalen Price

Highlights

Hudson Whitenight

Hudson Whitenight

Highlights

Trenton Blaylock

Trenton Blaylock

Highlights

Brennen Lacey

Brennen Lacey

Highlights

Luke Baysinger

Luke Baysinger

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Ahzan Bacote

Ahzan Bacote

Highlights

Darrien Neal

Darrien Neal

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Chayce Davis

Chayce Davis

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Hunter Black

Hunter Black

Highlights

Tre Moore

Tre Moore

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Brody Knowles

Brody Knowles

Highlights

Javian Jones-Priest

Javian Jones-Priest

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Wayne Shanks Jr.

Wayne Shanks Jr.

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Tristan Willis

Tristan Willis

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Jordan Smith

Jordan Smith

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Briceson Thrower Jr.

Briceson Thrower Jr.

Highlights

Julian Cromartie

Julian Cromartie

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Trysten Shaw

Trysten Shaw

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Tre Brown

Tre Brown

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Jeramie Cooper

Jeramie Cooper

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Ryker Reynolds

Ryker Reynolds

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Brian Swanson

Brian Swanson

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Caleb Siler

Caleb Siler

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