The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 22 Baylor.
22. BAYLOR
2025-26 record: 17-17
Outlook for 2026-27: Coach Scott Drew’s squad missed the NCAA Tournament last season and hasn’t made it past the second round since winning it all in 2021. Expectations are surprisingly low in Waco, with the Bears picked to finish 10th in the Big 12 preseason poll.
What we like: Exhibition wins against Florida and Illinois give this overlooked squad plenty of momentum entering the season. A deeper, more balanced rotation than last season’s includes veteran leaders, scrappy defenders and unselfish playmakers.
Trouble ahead: The toughest tests on the nonconference schedule are both on neutral floors: Texas on Nov. 15 in San Antonio and Alabama on Nov. 24 in Las Vegas. There’s also a Dec. 5 rematch with Memphis, which beat the Bears at home last season.
Top newcomer: Baylor can go as far as the Mingo brothers take it. Point guard Kayden averaged 13.7 points and 4.3 assists as a freshman at Penn State last season, while five-star freshman Dylan was rated the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2026 by Rivals.