Baylor head coach Dave Aranda enters the 2026 season under significant pressure, as he likely cannot afford another losing record. His return was somewhat unexpected following the resignation of the school's athletic director late last season, which left questions about his future with the program.
As Aranda begins his seventh season, he will work with a new quarterback, DJ Lagway, who transferred from Florida, along with several new receivers and a new defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, formerly of Kansas State. Aranda's overall record stands at 36-37, including a disappointing 5-7 finish last year, where the team lost five of its last six games, culminating in a three-game losing streak.
The Bears have struggled since their successful 2021 season, which included a school-record 12 wins and a Big 12 championship. Since then, their record has been 22-28, with their only winning season being 8-5 in 2024. Last season, the Bears allowed an average of 32.6 points per game while scoring 31.1, and they recorded a troubling 24 turnovers, the highest in the Power Four.
Despite losing their leading rusher, Bryson Washington, to Auburn, Baylor's running back group remains deep and talented. Caden Knighten, who rushed for 469 yards last season, and Dawson Pendergrass, who missed last year due to injury, are expected to be key contributors. Pendergrass had 671 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, while Michael Turner also showed promise as a freshman.
However, the Bears face challenges with a lack of experience 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 returning player with the most catches, Jadon Porter, had only nine receptions for 85 yards last season.
