Baylor picked up a nice win in the portal with the flip of Kentucky transfer wide receiver Hardley Gilmore. He was previously committed to Louisville but made the switch to Waco, giving the Bears another veteran option in the wide receiver room as they continue to reshape the offense.
Gilmore’s not coming in with monster stats, but there’s real value here. Last season at Kentucky, he caught 28 passes for 313 yards and a touchdown. Solid numbers for a rotational guy in the SEC. He’s not a burner or a highlight-reel type, but he’s dependable. He runs clean routes, finds space, and moves the chains.
According to the 247Sports Transfer Portal rankings, Gilmore sits as a three-star prospect and checks in at No. 747 overall and No. 135 among wideouts. That’s not going to turn heads on its own, but those are the kind of portal rankings that usually turn into meaningful depth. He’s been on the field, played against physical secondaries, and knows how to hold his own in big moments.
For Baylor, this is another piece to round out a roster that’s been active in the portal. They’ve taken some big swings but also made smart, under-the-radar additions like this one. You need both if you’re going to compete week in and week out in the Big 12.
Gilmore made a late call in flipping from Louisville, but that tells you he sees a clearer path at Baylor. Whether it’s more reps, a better system fit, or just the right feel from the coaching staff, he made the move. Now it’s about earning his spot and giving this offense another steady target.
