Ranking the projected starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 for 2023

6. Blake Shapen, Baylor

Head coach Dave Aranda announced earlier this week that Blake Shapen won the job over Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson.

Contrary to the opinions around the Big 12 community, there is lost memory that Shapen had a Big 12 championship ring with the Bears back in 2021. In relief of injured Gerry Bohannon, the at-the-time freshman completed his first 15 passes and threw three touchdowns in the victory.

https://twitter.com/si_ncaafb/status/1467198583250292749?s=20

Then came the sophomore slump in 2022. He was far from the lone problem for Baylor last season, as a preseason Top-10 ranking snowballed into a bowl loss in their rival’s home stadium as that rival was competing in the College Football Playoff.

Shapen threw for 2,790 yards and 18 touchdowns to 10 interceptions in 2022. Far from poor numbers, but a letdown from his 596 yards and five touchdowns to zero turnovers in just 2 ½ games the year prior.

The Bears have reloaded along the offense, returning most of the receiving unit and adding Arkansas wide receiver Ketron Jackson. Freshman breakout back Richard Reese returns and Baylor added experienced running back Dominic Richardson from Oklahoma State.

With another year in the offensive system and a year of growth from his supporting cast, there should be more glimpses of 2021 than 2022 for Shapen.