Thursday Insider: Baylor Bears Football Lands a Historical WR Recruit, Sooners Five-Star Flips Commitment to Baylor Bears Over Notre Dame, Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns; This One Is Very Significant Because of the History He Has With…
In a recruiting twist that’s sending shockwaves across the college football landscape, the Baylor Bears have pulled off one of the most impressive recruiting coups in program history. A five-star wide receiver, long considered a lock for one of the sport’s blue-blood programs, has flipped his commitment from the Oklahoma Sooners to the Baylor Bears—over powerhouses like Notre Dame, Georgia, and Texas. But this isn’t just about stars or stat sheets; it’s a deeply personal and symbolic win for the Bears.
The player at the center of it all is Jamari “Jet” Johnson, the explosive 6’2″, 190-pound receiver out of Duncanville, Texas. Ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation by multiple outlets and sitting comfortably in the top five overall prospects in the 2025 class, Johnson’s decommitment from Oklahoma and his subsequent pledge to Baylor has turned heads not just because of his raw talent, but because of what it represents.
Johnson had been linked with Oklahoma for well over a year. His connection to their offensive scheme and his relationship with their wide receivers coach made Norman seem like a lock. Notre Dame and Georgia, both known for developing NFL-ready talent, were in hot pursuit, and the Texas Longhorns—just down the road—were heavily involved in the recruitment too. But ultimately, Baylor sealed the deal, and this commitment carries a weight far beyond the field.
The Significance: A Personal Connection to Baylor
What makes Johnson’s decision especially significant is his deep, personal history with Baylor. His late uncle, Derrick “D-Rock” Williams, was a standout receiver for the Bears in the early 2000s before tragically passing away in 2011. Jamari grew up hearing stories of Derrick’s legendary work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the green and gold. From the moment he could walk, Jamari wore No. 8 in honor of his uncle and had always spoken about continuing his legacy in some way.
In interviews over the past year, Johnson frequently mentioned the “emotional pull” he felt toward Baylor. But few believed that would outweigh the pull of the bigger brands—until now.
“This isn’t just a commitment,” Johnson said during his announcement. “This is a promise. A promise to carry on what my uncle started. He loved Baylor, and I want to write the next chapter of that story.”
Impact on the Baylor Program
For Baylor, this is more than just a five-star recruit—they’ve secured a culture-builder, a game-changer, and potentially a program cornerstone. Head coach Dave Aranda has emphasized the importance of building a player-first culture rooted in loyalty, character, and development. Johnson fits that mold perfectly. He brings elite speed, crisp route running, and an ability to high-point the football that has earned him comparisons to former NFL greats.
In terms of recruiting momentum, this could be the spark that elevates Baylor to the next level. Landing a talent of Johnson’s caliber shows other top recruits that Waco can be a destination, not just a backup plan. It sends a loud message to the rest of the Big 12 and beyond: Baylor isn’t just looking to compete—they’re building to win.
What’s Next?
Johnson’s commitment is already making waves on social media, with current recruits and even former Baylor players chiming in with excitement. Don’t be surprised if this move triggers a domino effect. Several four-star and five-star prospects in the 2025 class, especially those from Texas, have spoken highly of Baylor’s recent recruiting push and could now view the Bears in a new light.
For now, Baylor fans can celebrate this historical recruiting moment. They’ve not only landed one of the most coveted players in the country—they’ve also welcomed home a legacy.