Jordan Baker has always been a bit of a lightning rod for the All American fandom. One minute you’re rooting for the guy to finally step out of his father’s massive shadow, and the next, you’re yelling at your TV because he’s made another impulsive, "classic Jordan" decision.
Honestly, that’s the beauty of his character. He isn’t the perfect hero like Spencer or the reformed underdog like Asher. He’s the guy who has everything and still feels like he has nothing to prove. By the time we hit the later seasons, and especially moving into the current landscape of Season 7, All American Jordan Baker has transformed from a privileged Beverly Hills QB into a man grappling with a reality he never planned for.
If you've been following the Vortex since day one, you know Jordan’s path hasn't been a straight line. It's been a series of concussions, identity crises, and surprisingly deep romantic pivots.
The NFL Dream That Wasn't
For years, it felt like Jordan’s destiny was the league. He was the son of Billy Baker. He had the arm, the pedigree, and eventually, the rings. Watching him lead GAU to two national championships—one of them largely on his own shoulders while Spencer was sidelined—was supposed to be his ticket to the Sunday games.
But the writers threw a curveball that felt both devastating and remarkably grounded.
After a final, terrifying concussion during the national championship game, Jordan had to walk away. It wasn't a choice made out of a lack of talent; it was a choice made for survival. It’s a plot point that mirrors the real-life struggles of many athletes who have to retire before they even truly begin. Seeing him transition from a "Heisman candidate" to an assistant coach at South Crenshaw High School was a hard pill for some fans to swallow.
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- The Pivot: He went from being the star under the lights to the guy holding the clipboard.
- The Legacy: He’s now coaching at the same school where his father once built a dynasty.
- The Conflict: Juggling the "assistant" title when he clearly has the tactical mind of a head coach.
There’s a lot of debate on Reddit and Twitter about whether the show "glossed over" the trauma of him quitting. Personally? I think his silence on it for most of Season 6 was the point. Jordan handles pain by staying busy. He didn't have time to mourn his career because he was too busy trying to be the "man of the house" after Billy’s death.
Why the Layla and Jordan Romance Still Divides Fans
We have to talk about "Jordayla." It’s basically the law of the All American universe at this point.
When Jordan and Layla Keating first hooked up, it felt like a total left turn. Remember when he was secretly married to Simone? Or when Layla was the one girl in the group he didn't have a history with? The transition from "childhood friends" to "soulmates" happened fast. Some say too fast.
But if you look at their history, they were both the "lonely" ones in the group. Layla was battling her depression in a house that felt like a museum, and Jordan was constantly fighting for a seat at his own family’s table. They found each other when they were both at their lowest points.
Season 7 finds them in the "married and stressed" phase. It’s a lot less glamorous than the honeymoon period. They’re balancing Layla’s record label demands with Jordan’s grueling coaching schedule. It’s messy. It’s real. And frankly, it’s a lot more interesting than the "perfect" relationships we usually see on the CW.
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The Family Secrets That Changed Everything
Just when we thought the Baker family tree couldn't get more tangled, Season 7 dropped the bombshell about Kenny Jeremy.
Finding out that he and the Jeremy family are blood-related was a massive shock to Jordan’s system. It wasn't just about a new cousin; it was about realizing that his father, Billy, had secrets that were still surfacing years after his passing. This revelation nearly cost Jordan his life during the "stabbing" incident earlier this season—a moment that reminded everyone that even in the "safe" suburbs or the coaching sidelines, the stakes for these characters are always life or death.
The Michael Evans Behling Factor
You can’t talk about Jordan without talking about Michael Evans Behling.
The guy has become the heart of the show in a way many didn't expect in Season 1. Behling has been vocal about how much of himself he pours into Jordan—specifically the experience of being biracial and trying to find a sense of belonging in two different worlds.
He didn't just show up to play a jock. He’s been an advocate for the mental health storylines the show has tackled, particularly the "imposter syndrome" Jordan felt when compared to Spencer James. Behling’s performance in the episodes following Billy’s death was career-best work, showing a vulnerability that shifted Jordan from a "side character" to a legitimate lead.
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What's Next for the Baker Legacy?
So, where does All American Jordan Baker go from here?
He’s no longer the kid trying to get his dad to notice him. He’s the one the kids at South Crenshaw are looking up to. He’s a husband. He’s a survivor.
If you’re looking to really understand Jordan’s evolution, keep an eye on how he handles the rivalry with Cassius Jeremy. The bridge-building between the two families is the core theme of the current episodes. Jordan is learning that being a "Baker" isn't just about the name on the jersey; it's about the responsibility you carry for the people around you.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch for the Coaching Nuance: Pay attention to how Jordan uses Billy’s old plays—it’s a subtle way the show honors the past.
- The Mental Health Thread: Jordan’s recovery from his stabbing and his concussion history aren't just "over." The show is hinting at long-term psychological effects that will likely play out in his marriage.
- Support the Actor: Michael Evans Behling often does behind-the-scenes deep dives on his "DesignedAt5AM" platforms, which give great context to his mindset during filming.
The days of Jordan Baker being the "jealous brother" are over. He's carved out a space that is entirely his own, even if it doesn't involve a stadium full of fans screaming his name every Saturday.
To get the most out of the current season, go back and re-watch the Season 3 finale. It provides the perfect contrast to the man Jordan has become today. You'll see the exact moment his perspective on "winning" started to shift from the scoreboard to the people standing next to him.