Lane Kiffin reacts to Baylor HC Dave Aranda's comment on recruiting success

Dave Aranda's comment about the Baylor Bears' recruiting success amused Lane Kiffin.

The Baylor University head coach was asked during Big 12 Media Day about the school's recruitment success. Aranda replied (via journalist Craig Smoak's X handle):

"We're paying players."

The sarcastic remark left many people chuckling on social media, including Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.

Baylor University makes a splash with the latest recruit

Dave Aranda's Baylor University landed one of the biggest recruitment surprises recently, as they signed Kamauryn Morgan, the No. 9 player in the Dallas-area Class of 2025 rankings. Morgan is a four-star prospect out of South Oak Cliff, the No. 12 edge in the country, and a top 100 player nationally.

His addition is significant for the Bears, as the Dallas Morning News claims that he's the school's best pledge since 2015. Some other statement recruits by Baylor include but aren't limited to St Joseph edge rusher Alex Foster, Fort Bend Marshall safety Joshua Lair, Tidehaven running back Joseph Dodds, Tyler JC defensive lineman Tonga Lolohea, and Evangel Christian Academy offensive tackle Tristan Santoro.

At the time of writing, Baylor’s 2025 recruiting class has 15 commits and ranks 44th in the nation, as per 247Sports.

What to expect from Dave Aranda's Baylor University in 2024?

Baylor University had a season to forget in 2023. The program racked up three wins all season and was out of Bowl contention rather early. The Bears finished the season on a five-game losing streak.

Hence, heading into the 2024 college football season, the goal is to put more wins on the board and play a Bowl game. The Bears' roster isn't the most stacked, so their fans might have to exercise patience as Dave Aranda builds a contending program.

The rise of NIL should help in the process, as the collegiate landscape feels more competitive than ever. Maybe Aranda's comments contain more truth than sarcasm, and we will find out in due time.