Baylor head coach Dave Aranda poses for a photo with cheerleaders and mascot Bruiser during the Big 12 Media Days at AT&T Stadium, Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
Elias Valverde II/Dallas Morning News
There is a different vibe heading into Baylor’s 2026 season — its seventh with Dave Aranda in charge.
The Bears shocked the college football world when they brought in former five-star quarterback DJ Lagway and Aranda revamped the team’s defense by hiring Joe Klanderman, the longtime defensive coordinator at Kansas State.
Of course, the moves have earned Baylor its fair share of publicity recently, although it can be tough translating buzz into wins.
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So here are five daring predictions for the Bears in the coming season:
1. DJ Lagway throws for more than 3,000 yards
After spending his first two seasons at Florida, Lagway brings a combination of arm strength and play-making ability that could expand Baylor’s offensive approach. The question will be how consistently those traits translate within the offense and whether Lagway can limit mistakes while maximizing his big-play potential.
Lagway’s skills are undeniable, but his consistency will decide how high Baylor can really go as a team. He threw for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago but also had 14 interceptions.
Three thousand passing yards may sound like a difficult target, but the Bears have put in place the necessary support around Lagway to make that happen. If Lagway can limit the turnovers while taking advantage of Baylor’s offensive weapons, reaching 3,000 passing yards is a realistic goal.
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Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway listens to a question during Big 12 Football Media Days at Ford Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Frisco.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
2. Baylor won’t just make a bowl game, they’ll clinch bowl eligibility before November
At least six victories must be expected after the offseason changes. If Baylor, which finished 5-7 a year ago, gets to six victories before the calendar turns to November, the team has proven to be a true contender in the Big 12 and not just a team that survived into the postseason.
There are good chances early in the season to rack up wins, and with the help of an improved roster and a coaching staff with plenty of experience, Baylor needs to capitalize on their early-season schedule to make a bowl game comfortably.
3. Baylor upsets a ranked team on the road
Each year, teams earn notice nationally by posting upset road wins. Baylor has the players to do so in 2026.
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While winning a game away in the Big 12 is always a tough task, excellent quarterback play can be an equalizer for any team. In addition, a defensive unit that is anticipated to play much more aggressively thanks to Klanderman’s style bolsters Baylor’s odds of pulling off an upset win.
4. Dre’lon Miller becomes Baylor’s first 1,000-yard wide receiver in years
Miller has all the skills to be the go-to player for Baylor this year. With his size and athleticism, he is well-suited to take advantage of Lagway’s aggressive downfield style. This is the year when Miller will break out and become the reason Baylor improves its passing attack. Baylor’s last 1,000-yard wide receiver was Denzel Mims in 2019.
If Lagway is able to get over 3,000 yards passing, Miller will be the greatest beneficiary of his production. Miller has the talent to be among the best wide receivers in the league.
5. Klanderman’s defense finishes among the Big 12’s best
Though Baylor’s offense has been generating most of the buzz throughout the offseason, it is its defense that could be poised for the greater leap forward this coming season.
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As Klanderman has demonstrated through his tenure at Kansas State, he consistently builds disciplined, opportune defenses wherever he goes, and Baylor brought him on with the intention that he would do the same for them. His defenses typically excel at stopping explosive plays, producing turnovers and maintaining a close game.
The Bears do not need to be at the top of every defensive statistical category in order to be one of the conference’s better defenses. Should Baylor rank near the top of the conference in points allowed while posting a steady turnover rate, they will give themselves more than enough chances to win close games.