Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is under pressure as he begins his seventh season with the Bears, following a disappointing 5-7 record last year. His future with the team may hinge on avoiding another losing season, especially after the unexpected resignation of athletic director Mack Rhoades late last season, which left Aranda's return uncertain.
The Bears will feature a new quarterback, DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida. They also have several new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, previously from Kansas State. Aranda's overall coaching record stands at 36-37, with the team struggling in the latter part of last season, losing five of their last six games.
Since a successful 2021 season that included a Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl victory, Baylor has recorded a 22-28 record. The only winning season since then was in 2024, when the Bears finished 8-5 amidst ongoing discussions about Aranda's job security.
Defensively, Baylor allowed an average of 32.6 points per game last season and had the highest turnover rate in the Power Four with 24 turnovers. Klanderman will now take over defensive play-calling duties.
Despite the loss of their leading rusher Bryson Washington, who transferred to Auburn, the Bears still possess a strong group of running backs, including Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass, who returns after missing last season due to injury.
