Baylor lands talented four-star running back over flashier programs

Talent and athleticism will be everything in the new-look Big 12. 

Come to think of it, that could have been said about the old Big 12 as well, but the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in 2024 to go along with 2023 newcomers BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston have made the conference quite a gauntlet.

Accumulating said talent and athleticism has become even more important on the recruiting trail for Big 12 schools and that makes the addition of four-star running back Caden Knighten a big deal for Dave Aranda and his Baylor football staff.

A 2025 recruit from Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Knighten is ranked as the No. 23 running back in the nation. 

He has a tremendous profile as a high school running back.

Last year, Knighten rushed for 2,278 yards and 35 touchdowns in 12 games. That's almost three rushing touchdowns per game and 189 rushing yards per contest. Those are elite rushing numbers and Knighten has elite speed. He ran a 4.46 in the 40 and boasts a time of 10.74 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

Knighten brings the athleticism that Baylor covets to the table, and as far as he's concerned, Baylor brings the rest – especially as a student-athlete.

“Their academics,” Knighten told 247Sports when asked what stood out about Baylor. “That’s what me and my family really look for in a college. It’s about being a student-athlete, getting that degree doing all that and a degree from Baylor University is highly looked at. I take pride in that."

A former Vanderbilt commitment, Knighten chose the Bears over Colorado, Michigan State, USC and the Commodores.