Aranda Says Starting Quarterback Decision Should Be Made by Monday
Following the second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda said that a decision should come by Monday on the starting quarterback for Baylor’s season opener against Tarleton State on August 31. Senior transfer Dequan Finn and junior Sawyer Robertson have been fighting for the QB1 title since the spring.
“We don't [have a decision],” Aranda said. “Our aim is to have one prior to Monday so we're kind of down to it.”
Aranda said the scrimmage went well for the two signal callers and now it’s time for his staff to make the final call in what will be a large decision in year five for Aranda at Baylor.
“Today was a good day,” Aranda continued. “I thought both played well, but decision is due, and so (Offensive Coordinator Jake Spavitval) and I and the rest of the offense will get together and get that done.”
When asked if the decision would be made more on the trend of progression or the body of work for both players over the last several months, Aranda said both would be factored in.
“The bottom line is the guy that helps us win in the immediacy, and the guy that is the most problematic for a defense to defend, and the guy that we can build an offense around,” Aranda responded. “Feel good about both of our guys in that respect. Makes the decision hard.”
Finn has been the perceived favorite for the battle after transferring in from Toledo in January. The 2023 Mid-American Conference MVP threw for 7,074 yards with 63 TDs and 23 interceptions over 539-of-895 passing and had rushed for 1,840 yards in his career on 389 carries with 25 TDs. Finn made 32 starts over his career, leading his team to a 23-9 record as a starter.
Robertson played in six of 12 games and made four starts at QB for Baylor in 2023. He Was 66-for-117 passing with two touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing 35 times for 69 yards and a score. The former four-star prospect transferred to Baylor from Mississippi State prior to the 2023 season.