Jordan & McGowan Lay It Out Before the Baylor‑Kansas Showdown

When the media day rolled around, Baylor’s two seasoned leaders – defensive end Kyler Jordan and receiver Jayden McGowan – were in surprisingly good spirits. After a gut‑wrenching loss to TCU, the duo managed to keep the conversation focused on fixing, not finger‑pointing.

Jordan, whose voice often carries a quiet authority on the defensive side, said, “They’re definitely working hard. Yesterday’s coaching helped, today we’re building on it. I just need them to believe in themselves.” His enthusiasm felt contagious, a reminder that belief on the field often starts in the locker room.

He didn’t shy away from the tough part either. “It’s tough not to blame the offense,” Jordan admitted, “but we’re a close‑knit group. We could’ve done better on defense, special teams, everything. It takes all of us.” The emphasis on unity was a subtle but powerful nod to the brotherhood that Coach Dave Rogers has tried to foster all season.

McGowan, meanwhile, took a more reflective tone about the TCU debacle. “We don’t really know what happened,” he said, “maybe we got a little complacent after the bye. We need to replicate good practices back‑to‑back.” He recognized the danger of a pause in momentum, especially after a four‑game winning streak that made the TCU loss feel even sharper.

When asked about the offensive line, McGowan’s confidence was unmistakable. “We trust our O‑line,” he declared. “Everyone feels they let each other down, so each group is doing its best to help the unit.” No blame was cast; instead, he offered support, a mindset that can bind a squad when the chips are down.

Looking ahead to Kansas, both players agreed on a simple mantra: take it one game at a time, fix the mistakes, and stay true to the standards that define Baylor football. As the Bears step onto McLane Stadium for Week 8, the hope is that the same grit that got them through the early season will carry them through a tough road trip.