Grayson & Colt Talk Spring Football: How Much More Can Sawyer Robertson Improve?

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Two of our resident experts — Grayson Grundhoefer and Colt Barber — answer some of the top questions surrounding head coach Dave Aranda and the Baylor program as spring football kicks into full gear.

Question: How much better can Sawyer Robertson actually be in year two under Jake Spavital?

Colt: Sawyer Robertson (RSr.) started 11 contests in 2024, and it wasn’t until his third start that the passing game began to open up. He still threw for 3,000-plus yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 230 and four more touchdowns. It’s evident that Jake Spavital’s offense is going to create the numbers if there is a quarterback who can do everything he’s asked of, so from a raw statistical sense, I don’t think it’s crazy to think he could approach 4,000 yards passing and 40 touchdowns over 13 starts. 

This spring is critical for developing the entire offense, which will be what drives Robertson to the upper echelon of the country. Knowing where the ball is going and eliminating games under 60% passing (he had six of those in 2024) and avoiding the boneheaded three-interception game like he had against Houston is what will take him to the next level. On top of that, he can’t sacrifice ball security for completions, but getting the offense into manageable third downs has to be prioritized if the big plays aren’t there. 

The great news is that Robertson has what should be a very good running game returning and key pieces in the passing game with Josh Cameron (RSr.), Ashtyn Hawkins (6Sr., and Michael Trigg (RSr.). His efforts won’t need to be as high to establish chemistry, which allows him the chance to focus on learning about his new targets. Robertson didn’t get many reps with the ones last spring or fall. 

That six-game winning streak (and Robertson’s individual performance against LSU) put everyone in the league on notice. Early games against Auburn and SMU mean his resume can be solidified early if he plays well. 

Grayson: Robertson posted a top-five QBR grade in the nation despite not becoming the full-time starter until a couple of weeks into the season. He ran with the role, and the offense rallied behind him and excelled. Let’s also not forget he basically stopped running the football toward the end of the season due to an ankle injury. The numbers could have been even more ridiculous if he had been able to stay healthy and use his legs effectively late into the season. The Bears need his legs to reach the ceiling of what this offense is capable of, which is a top 10 offense in the nation.

There are plenty of areas that could take his game to the next level, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game. He had nine turnover-worthy plays in those areas of the field. He still came away with 13 touchdowns, which wasn’t bad, but those are the two parts of the field where he can take another step forward.

The weapons are great in the passing game, with Cameron, Hawkins and Trigg returning, along with the additions of Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice (Sr.) and the Texas State transfer Kole Wilson (Sr.). I would also add that Jadon Porter (So.) is a riser so far this spring and a prospect who could push for a big role this season, but the pass-catcher I want to highlight is Prentice. Prentice will help open up Robertson’s game in a big way due to his ability to create separation, strong hands and elite speed. I think he will provide a needed spark and more consistency to the room

Ultimately, Robertson was elite last season, and this team is going to run the football at a high level. The Bears also have two tough non-conference games, which could limit some of his statistical upside. Only six quarterbacks totaled 4,000 yards passing, and only nine threw 30 touchdowns last season. So my prediction is he gets to 3,800 total yards of offense and 35 total touchdowns, which would give him a top-10 quarterback season — big year coming for Robertson.

Other Spring Football Reading:

• Insider Notes: Eyes on the Trenches as the Bears Open Spring Camp
• Views from the Brazos: Spring Football Underway
• Presser: Jake Spavital Talks Baylor Offense, Sawyer Robertson, Spring Practices
• Presser: Sawyer Robertson Talks QB Room, Baylor Offense, Spring Practices
• Top 5 Freshmen to Watch This Spring: Offensive Playmakers, Trenches Building
• Top 5 Transfers to Watch This Spring: Speed at Wide Receiver, Defensive Playmakers
• Top 5 Storylines Heading Into Spring FB: Difference Makers On Defense, Robertson's Growth
• Aranda's Call Sheet: ‘I’m Excited About This Team; There’s Talent and Potential'
• Driven By Faith: Baylor Quarterback Sawyer Robertson Bracing For Important Offseason Ahead