Dave Aranda returns as Baylor’s head coach after a 5-7 overall record and a 3-6 mark in Big 12 play in 2025. Florida transfer DJ Lagway takes over at quarterback. Lagway missed two games with a high-ankle sprain suffered in the season opener but returned against Colorado on Sept. 26. He followed with 306 passing yards and four touchdowns against Arizona State on Oct. 3, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. Baylor must replace leading rusher Bryson Washington and its top five pass catchers from last season, while Caden Knighten, Michael Turner, and Dawson Pendergrass return in the backfield. Colorado transfer Dre’Lon Miller and Oklahoma State transfer Gavin Freeman join the receiving corps. The offensive line returns full-time starter Kaden Sieracki after 12 starts last season, while Koltin Sieracki also returns after three. Toledo transfer Cole Rhett and South Alabama transfer Asher Hale join a group that will feature several new starters in 2026.
Joe Klanderman takes over as defensive coordinator after serving in the same role at Kansas State. Baylor returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season despite losing its top two. Devonte Tezino returned along the defensive front but suffered a season-ending leg injury against Prairie View A&M. Indiana transfer Hosea Wheeler joins the defensive line after making five starts for the Hoosiers last season and brings 30 career starts to Baylor. Kyland Reed returns at linebacker, while Kansas State transfer Ryan Davis joins the defense at JACK. The secondary returns Jacob Redding, Tyler Turner, and LeVar Thornton Jr., though Redding suffered a torn ACL before the season opener and will miss the entire 2026 season.
Mark Scott returns for his second season as Baylor’s special teams coordinator. Connor Hawkins takes over at placekicker, while Palmer Williams returns at punter after averaging 46.9 yards per punt last season. The Bears will feature new primary returners after losing Josh Cameron and Kole Wilson.
Overall, Baylor enters 2026 with a transfer quarterback, a new defensive coordinator, and several new starters on the offensive and defensive lines. Lagway’s return has provided quarterback stability after his early-season ankle injury, but season-ending injuries to Tezino and Redding have weakened two important returning defensive pieces.