Baylor football is in a difficult position days after head coach Art Briles was dismissed after allegations of tampering with Title IX investigations. However, a key team leader will be with the program through the fire.

Baylor sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a former elite recruit out of Stephenville, announced on Instagram that he will be back with the team next season.

"Can't wait to get back on that grind tomorrow with my brothers. This year is going to be different than the rest in many ways, but either way we will make a statement to everyone. Excited for the opportunity God has presented this team with to overcome adversity and become even closer as a family. Stick with us Baylor nation, we got this.

Colossians 4:2-3 #BacktoBusiness"

Stidham was a late flip in the 2015 recruiting class from Texas Tech after Briles recruited him heavily, so there was some concern that Briles' departure could convince him to leave. Every indication points to him being the starter in 2017.

As a true freshman, Stidham electrified crowds and exceeded all expectations. After starter Seth Russell went out with a season-ending neck injury, Stidham broke onto the national scene. In his first start, the true freshman threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns in a key road win over Kansas State. In only 10 quarters as a starter, he threw for 934 yards and six touchdowns, before fracturing a bone in his leg.

While no players on the active roster have left as yet, Baylor's elite 2016 signing class and 2017 recruiting class have been devastated after Briles' firing. At least three players did not enroll as expected on Monday, while the 2017 class is down from six to two commitments.

Twitter: @ShehanJeyarajah