Baylor Bears Troll College Football Purists With ‘We Pay Players’ T-Shirts

Head coach Dave Aranda and the Baylor Bears football program are heading into an important 2024 season. They posted a mere 3-9 record in 2023, two years after going 12-2 and defeating Mississippi in the Sugar Bowl.

This important season also comes amid changing dynamics in the college football world. Obviously, we’re talking about players getting paid for the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

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We’ve seen some of the biggest stars in college football ink seven-figure deals after the United States Supreme Court ruled back in 2021 that amateur athletes should get paid for their likeness.

It’s led to widespread debate. Legendary former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban even retired after last season in part due to the NIL situation.

As for Baylor, they are not hiding from the fact that they’re paying players. Heck, the football program is celebrating it.

For those who follow the Baylor Bears, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Aranda indicated as much during a press conference back in July.

“We’re paying players,” the Baylor head coach said.

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Baylor Bears Bold Move In NIL Era

Waco won’t be mistaken for a college football powerhouse. Per 247 Sports, Baylor boasts the 43rd-ranked recruiting group for the Class of 2025.

This could very well be the Bears’ way of attempting to level the playing field. That’s especially true after both the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns departed the Big 12 for the SEC. Yes, for financial reasons. There could be an opportunity for Baylor here.

As for saying they’re paying players, the Bears even sent out a link to their NIL store so fans can get in on the action. No joke.

Love it or hate it, this is the new college football landscape.