Baylor University's head coach Dave Aranda is under considerable scrutiny as he approaches the 2026 season, following a disappointing performance last year. His return was somewhat unexpected due to the resignation of the athletic director, raising uncertainties about his position within the program.
As he embarks on his seventh season, Aranda will be working with a new quarterback, DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida, along with several new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, previously of Kansas State. Aranda's coaching record is currently 36 wins and 37 losses, with last season ending at 5-7, marked by a troubling three-game losing streak.
Since their remarkable 2021 season, which saw the team achieve a school-record 12 victories and win the Big 12 championship, the Bears have faced difficulties. Their record has been 22-28 since then, with only one winning season in 2024, where they finished 8-5.
Last year, the team struggled defensively, allowing an average of 32.6 points per game while scoring 31.1, along with a concerning 24 turnovers, the highest in the Power Four.
Despite losing their leading rusher, Bryson Washington, to Auburn, Baylor's running back group remains promising. Key players include Caden Knighten, who rushed for 469 yards last season, and Dawson Pendergrass, who missed last year due to injury but had 671 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. The Bears will need to address their inexperience 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 player with the most receptions returning is Jadon Porter, who had only nine catches for 85 yards last season.
