Kalique Cheeves, a 6‑foot‑2, 170‑pound cornerback who refined his craft at City College of San Francisco, has officially pledged to Baylor University for the upcoming season. The commitment marks a significant addition to the Bears' defensive roster, which has been reshaped by recent departures and a series of strategic transfers.
A Strategic Addition to the Bears' Defense
Cheeves began his collegiate journey at New Mexico, where he initially signed before flipping his commitment to Baylor on May 23. His decision comes after a standout 2025 campaign in which he logged 32 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble across 11 games, earning All‑American honors and a No. 273 ranking in the transfer portal, as well as a No. 33 spot among cornerbacks.
Baylor's secondary has shown marked improvement by the end of the 2025 season, climbing to the No. 31 passing defense nationally. The unit returns key contributors such as Reggie Bush, LeVar Thornton, Jacob Redding and Tyler Turner, while also welcoming transfers Devon Jordan and Stilton McKelvey. Cheeves' blend of size, experience and playmaking ability is expected to reinforce the group's depth and competitiveness.
Future Outlook
Coaches are already evaluating Cheeves in summer conditioning, where his physicality and coverage skills will be tested. While the possibility of a redshirt season exists if he does not immediately impress, the coaching staff remains confident that his height, agility and football IQ will translate into immediate impact. The addition of Cheeves, alongside other transfer acquisitions, signals Baylor's intent to remain a formidable force in the nation's passing defense landscape.