Dave Aranda enters his seventh season as head coach of the Baylor Bears football program with the program’s future in question after a 5-7 record in 2025. The Bears finished the season with a three‑game losing streak and a total of 32.6 points allowed per game while scoring 31.1, prompting speculation about Aranda’s job security.
New leadership on both sides of the ball
For 2026, Baylor has introduced a new starting quarterback, DJ Lagway, a Texas native who transferred from the University of Florida. Lagway started 19 of 24 games at Florida, throwing for 4,179 yards, 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions before moving to his father’s alma mater.
On defense, former Kansas State coordinator Joe Klanderman takes over play‑calling duties, replacing Aranda in that role. The coaching change follows a period of turnover among players and staff, including the departure of former quarterback Sawyer Robertson and the loss of top receivers.
Roster turnover and returning talent
Baylor’s roster features significant turnover. The Bears lost leading rusher Bryson Washington, who transferred to Auburn, their season‑opening opponent. Nonetheless, the team retains a deep running‑back group, highlighted by Caden Knighten’s 469 rushing yards and 11 catches for 134 yards last season. Returning players include Dawson Pendergrass, who missed the previous season with a foot injury, and Michael Turner, a true freshman who contributed 320 yards in eight games.
The receiving corps also sees change, with six new receivers joining the squad, such as transfers Dre’lon Miller from Colorado and Gavin Freeman from Oklahoma State. Veteran wide receiver Josh Cameron remains on the roster.
Recent performance and outlook
Since the 2021 season, when Baylor posted a school‑record 12 wins, a Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl victory, the program has gone 22‑28. The only winning season since was an 8‑5 finish in 2024, which included a six‑game winning streak to close the regular season.
Aranda, who arrived at Baylor after serving as LSU’s defensive coordinator on an undefeated national‑championship team, now faces the challenge of turning the program around with a new quarterback, new defensive leadership, and a largely revamped roster. The Bears open the season against Auburn in Atlanta on September 5, followed by matchups with TCU on October 17 and No. 12 Texas Tech on November 21.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
