As the 2026 season nears, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda finds himself under considerable pressure, needing to avoid another losing record. His continuation with the program came as a surprise following the resignation of the athletic director late last season, raising concerns about his future.
Entering his seventh season, Aranda will lead a team with a new quarterback, DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida, alongside several new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, previously of Kansas State. Aranda’s overall record stands at 36-37, with last season ending in a disappointing 5-7, including a troubling three-game losing streak.
The Bears have struggled since their successful 2021 season, which saw a school-record 12 wins and a Big 12 championship. Their record since then has been 22-28, with only one winning season in 2024. Last year, Baylor allowed an average of 32.6 points per game while scoring 31.1 and recorded 24 turnovers, the highest in the Power Four.
Despite losing leading rusher Bryson Washington to Auburn, Baylor's running back group remains strong, featuring Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass, who missed last year due to injury. However, the team faces challenges with a lack of experience at receiver, having lost their top five from last season. Six new receivers have joined the roster, including transfers Dre’lon Miller and Gavin Freeman.
The season opener against Auburn is set for September 5, with significant matchups against TCU and No. 12 Texas Tech later in the season.
