So, you’re looking for the Baylor Bears football score today, January 18, 2026.
Here is the quick, blunt reality: there isn't one. The pads are in storage, and McLane Stadium is quiet. While the No. 18 Baylor women’s basketball team just notched a massive 69-58 road win over BYU yesterday—shoutout to Taliah Scott for dropping 25—the football team hasn't touched a field for a meaningful snap since late November.
It’s a weird spot for fans. Usually, by mid-January, we're either celebrating a bowl win or dissecting a loss. Instead, we're stuck in this limbo.
Why There Is No Baylor Bears Football Score Today
To understand why the scoreboard reads zeros, we have to look back at the chaos of December 2025. Baylor finished the regular season with a 5-7 record. Usually, that means you're staying home. However, because so many teams (including heavyweights like Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Iowa State) started opting out of bowl games, the Birmingham Bowl actually came knocking on Baylor's door.
They said no.
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Honestly, it was a move that split the fanbase right down the middle. Head coach Dave Aranda and the administration released a statement saying they had "already progressed deeply into the offseason timeline." Basically, they felt like playing a game in late December or early January would just get in the way of fixing what went wrong during a pretty disappointing year.
- Final Record: 5-7
- The Opt-Out: Baylor declined a Birmingham Bowl invite.
- The Logic: Focus 100% on the 2026 roster and the transfer portal.
It’s a gutsy call. If Aranda turns it around next year, people will call him a visionary for prioritizing recruiting. If they struggle again? This will be remembered as the time the program gave up on extra practice reps.
The Offseason Scoreboard: Portal Wins and Losses
Even though there isn't a Baylor Bears football score today, there is a different kind of tally going on. The transfer portal has been a absolute whirlwind for this staff.
If you’re keeping track, the Bears have lost over 30 players to the portal since the season ended. That sounds terrifying, and honestly, losing guys like linebacker Keaton Thomas to Ole Miss or center Coleton Price to Kentucky really hurts. Those were foundational pieces.
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But the "score" in the portal isn't all negative. Just yesterday, Baylor picked up a commitment from Incarnate Word offensive lineman Lawson Petty. He’s a guy who already knows new O-line coach Austin Woods’ system.
The Biggest "Get" of 2026
The real headline, though, is DJ Lagway. The former Florida quarterback committed to Baylor on January 8th. While he hasn't officially signed as of this weekend, having a talent like that in the mix is the only reason the "focus on 2026" narrative carries any weight. If you can't find a Baylor Bears football score today, finding a way to keep Lagway committed is the next best thing for the program's health.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Current Status
A lot of folks assume that because Baylor isn't playing, the program is stagnant. That couldn't be further from the truth. Aranda has been vocal about how "uncomfortable" he is with the current state of college football recruiting—calling it a "lawless land" during the American Football Coaches Convention in Charlotte recently.
He's trying to balance a "keep the 254 in the 254" philosophy (local recruiting) with the reality that you have to buy a roster in 2026.
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The "score" right now is measured in retention and NIL dollars. It’s less about touchdowns and more about whether or not they can keep their 2026 signing class—which includes local stars like London Smith from Waco University High—together through the spring.
What Really Happened with the Coaching Staff
You might have missed it over the holidays, but the staff looks different. Austin Woods was officially elevated to the permanent Offensive Line coach on New Year’s Day. Jacori Greer is now in charge of the Defensive Line.
The strategy is clear: Aranda is surrounding himself with guys who are ready to grind through this "extended" offseason. They aren't worried about a bowl game trophy; they're worried about not having another 5-7 season that could end Aranda’s tenure in Waco.
Actionable Next Steps for Baylor Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually stay plugged in during this weird gap:
- Watch the Lady Bears: They are currently the hottest thing on campus. Their next games are the best way to get your Baylor sports fix while the football team is in the lab.
- Monitor the Signing Deadlines: Keep an eye on DJ Lagway’s official signing status. Until that paperwork is in, the 2026 season's potential hangs in the balance.
- Check the Spring Game Schedule: Expect an announcement soon regarding the Green and Gold game. With so many new transfers (21 and counting), that will be our first real look at the "new" Baylor.
- Follow the Trenches: Watch for more O-line and D-line commits. Aranda is clearly trying to beef up the front after getting bullied in the trenches during the latter half of 2025.
The Baylor Bears football score today is 0-0, but the work happening behind the scenes in the Ferrell Center and the weight rooms is going to determine if we're actually playing in January this time next year.