Baylor's head coach Dave Aranda is gearing up for the 2026 season, facing considerable pressure as he aims to avoid another losing record. His return to the program was somewhat unexpected after the resignation of the athletic director last season raised questions about his future.
As Aranda embarks on his seventh season, he will be working with a new quarterback, DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida, along with a revamped receiving corps and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, previously with Kansas State. Aranda's overall coaching record stands at 36-37, including a disappointing 5-7 finish last year, marked by a troubling three-game losing streak.
Since their successful 2021 season, which saw the Bears achieve a school-record 12 wins and secure a Big 12 championship, the team's performance has declined, resulting in a 22-28 record. Last season, they allowed an average of 32.6 points per game while scoring 31.1 and recorded a total of 24 turnovers, the highest among Power Four teams.
Although they lost leading rusher Bryson Washington to Auburn, the running back group remains strong with Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass expected to play key roles.
The Bears will have to adapt quickly, as they lost their top five receivers from last season, bringing in six new players, including transfers Dre’lon Miller and Gavin Freeman. The season opener against Auburn in Atlanta is set for September 5, with notable matchups against TCU on October 17 and No. 12 Texas Tech on November 21.
