Baylor enters the 2026–27 college basketball season with something to prove.
After finishing 17–17 and missing the NCAA Tournament last season, head coach Scott Drew has reconstructed his roster with additional backcourt talent, athleticism and frontcourt depth.
The Bears open the S³ preseason rankings at No. 20, with a projected 21–11 regular-season record and expectations of returning to March Madness.
The Mingo Brothers
Baylor's biggest offseason development could be the arrival of Kayden and Dylan Mingo.
Kayden, a Penn State transfer, averaged 13.7 points and 4.3 assists last season. His ability to create offense and pressure opposing defenses gives Baylor an immediate backcourt weapon.
Dylan, a highly regarded freshman, brings additional size and versatility to the guard rotation.
Their potential was on display during Baylor's October 18 exhibition victory over Florida.
Kayden scored 31 points, while Dylan contributed 12 points and eight rebounds as Baylor defeated the S³ preseason No. 1 team, 82–76, in overtime.
Although exhibition results do not count toward the standings, the performance offered an encouraging glimpse of Baylor's potential.
The Frontcourt Question
Baylor also possesses intriguing frontcourt talent.
Juslin Bodo Bodo provides size and interior defensive potential, while Yale transfer Isaac Celiscar adds efficient scoring and versatility.
Nevertheless, the Bears must establish consistent rebounding, interior production and defensive execution.
The backcourt may generate the headlines, but the frontcourt will play an equally important role in determining Baylor's season.
S³ Schedule Strength
Baylor faces at least eight confirmed regular-season matchups against teams appearing in the published S³ Preseason Top 25.
Those eight games feature an average opponent ranking of No. 15.6.
Two meetings with Kansas, along with matchups against Texas, Alabama, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Arizona, will test Baylor's development.
Additional ranked opponents are possible through the Players Era tournament and pending confirmation of Louisville's S³ ranking.
Can Baylor Win the Big 12?
A conference championship is unlikely based on Baylor's current preseason position.
Arizona, Houston, Kansas and Iowa State enter the season with stronger conference expectations.
Baylor was selected tenth in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, making our No. 20 national ranking a relatively optimistic evaluation.
For the Bears to compete for a conference championship, they must substantially exceed both their conference projection and last season's performance.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | S³ Prediction |
|---|---|
| Preseason Ranking | #20 |
| Regular Season | 21–11 |
| Conference Record | 10–8 |
| Best Player | Kayden Mingo |
| Biggest X-Factor | Dylan Mingo |
| Confirmed Ranked Games | 8 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #15.6 |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Round of 32 |
| Tournament Ceiling | Sweet 16 |
| Possible Downside | First-round exit |
| Possible Downside | Miss NCAA Tournament |
| Big 12 Championship | Unlikely |
S³ Final Word
Baylor has the personnel to return to the NCAA Tournament, but an exhibition victory over Florida does not automatically make the Bears a championship contender.
The Mingo brothers provide legitimate offensive potential. Scott Drew must turn that potential into a complete basketball team capable of competing consistently in the Big 12.
S³ projects a 21-win regular season and a return to March Madness, with the Round of 32 representing Baylor's expected destination.
A Sweet 16 appearance would exceed those preseason expectations. Nevertheless, inconsistency could leave Baylor facing an opening-round exit or, in a disappointing scenario, missing the tournament altogether.
S³ Prediction: 21–11 | Round of 32 | Sweet 16 Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
