Baylor University Athletics

Baylor competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college sports with full scholarships and major media coverage. The Bears play in the strong Big 12 Conference alongside schools like Texas and Oklahoma. With 553 total athletes across 15 varsity sports, about 3.7% of Baylor's 15,007 students compete at the highest collegiate level. The university awards over $20.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. Baylor football has emerged as a national powerhouse in recent years, winning Big 12 championships and competing in major bowl games. The Bears have heated rivalries with Texas Christian University and Texas Tech. Basketball also draws strong support, with both men's and women's programs achieving national recognition. The athletic department's success reflects Baylor's commitment to excellence both academically and competitively.