Robert Wright’s move to BYU signals a shift in the Baylor-BYU talent pipeline

For the past few years, Baylor has been successful in attracting key players and coaches from BYU. But Robert Wright’s decision to head to Provo shows that talent can travel in the other direction too.

As private Christian institutions and Big 12 Conference members, BYU and Baylor have plenty in common.

They also have a history of competing for the same athletes and staff.

Following a strong freshman campaign, Baylor point guard Robert Wright III entered the transfer portal. He averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 assists, and now reports say he’s taking a major NIL offer to join BYU’s basketball program.

Unsurprisingly, Baylor supporters are upset as Wright exits Waco for BYU. Many feel betrayed, believing he’d return for another season. Some fans are also angry with BYU, accusing them of stealing a major player from their roster.

BYU supporters have felt the same sting.

Since 2021, Baylor has lured away several standout BYU athletes and coaches. Wright’s move from Baylor to BYU highlights that transfers can go both directions. Here’s a recap of how Baylor has benefited from BYU talent in recent years:

January 2021 – Coaches Grimes and Mateos head to Baylor

The COVID-era 2020 season was unique but memorable for BYU.

Head coach Kalani Sitake led the Cougars to an 11-1 finish and No. 11 AP ranking, with much credit going to offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes.

QB Zach Wilson was a star, placing eighth in the Heisman vote. Running back Tyler Allgeier exploded for 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns. Receiver Dax Milne nearly hit 1,200 yards, and O-lineman Brady Christensen earned All-American honors and a third-round NFL Draft selection.

Grimes had built an elite offense and hopes were high for 2022.

Then Grimes left for Baylor, taking O-line coach Eric Mateos with him. Losing two key coaches after a dream season was a blow to BYU fans.

December 2022 – The Barrington brothers join Baylor

Grimes and Mateos didn’t just leave—they brought BYU talent with them, landing two of the Cougars’ best linemen: Clark and Campbell Barrington.

Clark, the older brother, was a longtime starter for BYU. He entered 2022 with All-America expectations and was listed on several major award watchlists. He spent one final college season at Baylor before signing with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent.

Campbell was a Freshman All-American at BYU in 2021 and played as a backup in 2022. At Baylor, he became one of their top O-linemen, earning high Pro Football Focus grades.

April 2022 – Caleb Lohner leaves BYU basketball

Until then, Baylor’s poaching was limited to football.

That changed with Caleb Lohner’s transfer.

Lohner had been a reliable contributor for BYU’s basketball team. He averaged 7.0 points and 7.1 rebounds as a freshman, and followed up with 7.0 points and 6.4 rebounds as a sophomore. Fans expected at least two more solid seasons from him.

He chose Baylor for its higher national profile, though it cost him playing time. Over two years, he saw just 10 minutes per game before transferring to Utah for his final season.

BYU fans were frustrated when Lohner, the Barringtons, and their coaches all left for Baylor.

So it makes sense that Baylor fans are now upset that Robert Wright III is doing the opposite.

At the end of the day, the transfer portal remains wide open—and talent can flow both ways.