Baylor Bears

Baylor enters 2026 with a completely revamped offense, headlined by former 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway, the son of a former Baylor running back, takes over after two inconsistent seasons at Florida. He is surrounded by a largely new supporting cast: the Bears lost their top four receivers, tight end, running back, and four of five offensive line starters from last year. Key newcomers include wide receivers Louis Brown IV (redshirted last season), Jadon Porter (third year in Waco), and Dre'lon Miller (a versatile weapon from Colorado). Running back Dawson Pendergrass returns after missing 2025 with a foot injury, but the entire unit must develop chemistry quickly. The pressure is on Lagway to deliver, as head coach Dave Aranda faces a do-or-die season with no margin for error.

First-year defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman, formerly of Kansas State, has taken over play-calling duties from head coach Dave Aranda. Klanderman's scheme emphasizes attacking and creating havoc, a direct response to Baylor's struggles generating pressure last season. The Bears added several transfer portal additions to the front seven, including defensive linemen Hosea Wheeler (Indiana), Jamaal Whyce Jr. (Marshall), Ryan Davis (Kansas State), Garrick Ponder (Southern Miss), and linebacker Kedrick Walker (Georgia State). Cornerback LeVar Thornton Jr. returns as a key piece in the secondary, while safety Devin Turner is back after missing 2025 with a torn ACL. The defense has shown flashes of brilliance on film but has been inconsistent, particularly against the run, as seen in last year's blowout loss to Utah. Consistency will be the unit's biggest challenge.

Punter Palmer Williams was a Ray Guy Award finalist last season, averaging 46.9 yards per punt, giving Baylor a reliable weapon in the kicking game. However, the Bears must replace starting kicker Connor Hawkins, who left via the transfer portal. Sophomore Rhett Armstrong, a highly touted recruit who handled kickoff duties last year, will take over placekicking duties. Armstrong has not attempted a field goal in a college game, making his performance a significant unknown. The return spots are also open competitions, adding further uncertainty to a unit that could be critical in close games.

Head coach Dave Aranda enters his seventh season at Baylor with a 36-37 record and immense pressure to win. The school retained him largely to maintain stability after former athletic director Mack Rhoades departed late last year. There is no specific win total that will save his job, but the expectation is clear: win now. Aranda is respected as a defensive schemer but has been described as 'a little weird' and 'socially awkward' by an opposing Big 12 assistant, and his staff has seen high turnover. The Bears' season will be defined by whether Aranda can finally deliver consistent results and prove that the program is moving in the right direction.