Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is facing significant pressure as he begins his seventh season with the Bears, following a disappointing 5-7 record last year. His return to the program was uncertain after the unexpected resignation of the athletic director late in the previous season. Despite being retained for the 2026 season by school president Linda Livingstone, another losing season could jeopardize his position.
The Bears are set to introduce several new faces this year, including DJ Lagway, a transfer quarterback from Florida, along with a number of new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, who comes from Kansas State. Aranda's overall record stands at 36-37, and the team has struggled since achieving a school-record 12 wins and a Big 12 title in 2021.
Last season, Baylor's defense allowed an average of 32.6 points per game while the offense scored 31.1 points. The team also had a Power Four high of 24 turnovers. With Klanderman taking over defensive play-calling, the Bears hope to improve their performance on that side of the ball.
Despite the loss of leading rusher Bryson Washington to Auburn, Baylor's running back position remains a strength, featuring players like Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass, who both showed promise in previous seasons. However, the team faces challenges with a lack of experience at the receiver position, having lost their top five receivers from last season.
