Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is entering the 2026 season with a record of 36-37, and he faces significant pressure to avoid another losing season. His return was somewhat unexpected due to the resignation of the athletic director late last season, raising questions about his future with the program.
As he begins his seventh season, Aranda will lead a team that includes new quarterback DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida, alongside several new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, previously of Kansas State. The Bears struggled last season, finishing with a 5-7 record, including a three-game losing streak.
Since their successful 2021 season, which featured a school-record 12 wins and a Big 12 championship, the team has recorded a disappointing 22-28. In 2024, they managed their only winning season with an 8-5 record. Last year, Baylor allowed an average of 32.6 points per game while scoring 31.1, and they recorded 24 turnovers, the highest among Power Four teams.
Despite losing leading rusher Bryson Washington to Auburn, Baylor's running back group remains strong, with Caden Knighten and Dawson Pendergrass expected to play key roles. However, the team faces challenges in the receiving corps, having lost their top five receivers from last season.
The season opener against Auburn is set for September 5, with significant matchups against TCU and No. 12 Texas Tech later in the season.