Baylor University is set to open its football season against Auburn at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This matchup carries significant weight for head coach Dave Aranda, who is entering his seventh year with the Bears after three losing seasons in four years, following a Big 12 championship in 2021.
This season, quarterback DJ Lagway, a transfer from Florida, will lead the team, stepping in for Sawyer Robertson. Lagway's connection to Baylor runs deep, as his father played for the Bears from 1997 to 2001. The Bears are looking to enhance their performance with a revamped receiving corps.
On defense, first-year coordinator Joe Klanderman faces the challenge of improving a unit that ranked among the lowest in the Big 12 last season. They will contend with Auburn's quarterback Byrum Brown, a transfer from the University of South Florida, who has impressive career stats, including nearly 7,700 passing yards and 61 touchdowns.
The game is part of a broader slate of Big 12 matchups, with Baylor (0-0) facing Auburn (0-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for Aranda's future with the program as he seeks to turn around the Bears' fortunes after recent challenges.
