Sqwirl Williams Enters the Transfer Portal

Baylor running back Craig ‘Sqwirl’ Williams has entered the transfer portal, he announced Friday on social media. 

Williams was a four-star signee in the 2018 recruiting class under former head coach Matt Rhule, choosing the Bears over a late push from Texas, in addition to offers from 20+ other schools, including Minnesota, Auburn, Utah, and Texas Tech. 

Injuries hampered Williams’ overall career in green and gold. The former Crosby star appeared in just two games as a true freshman in 2018, scoring his first career touchdown vs. Kansas State. Then, an injury wiped out his redshirt-freshman season. He led the team with 188 rushing yards as a redshirt sophomore before injury once again ended his season vs. Iowa State. And still recovering, Sqwirl played in just two games as a redshirt junior in 2021. 

Fortunately, he ended his Baylor career on a high note in 2022, appearing in 11 of 13 games with seven starts, grinding out 557 yards and four touchdowns rushing along with 80 yards receiving and one score as a fifth-year senior. 

For the Bears, something had to give for a crowded running back room. As of now, Baylor will return freshman All-American Richard Reese, senior Qualan Jones, and young backs Jordan Jenkins and Kaian Roberts-Day from last year’s roster. Taye McWilliams could also return, although questions linger about his future after missing most of 2022 with a head injury. 

In addition, Aranda and the Bears signed transfer RB Dominic Richardson from Oklahoma State and added recruits Bryson Washington — an early enrollee — and Dawson Pendergrass. The room will also need to welcome a new coach following assistant Justin Johnson’s departure.