Baylor University is set to launch its football season with a matchup against Auburn at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This game is particularly important for seventh-year head coach Dave Aranda, as the Bears look to rebound from three losing seasons in the last four years, following their Big 12 championship win in 2021.
The Bears will feature Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway, who takes over from Sawyer Robertson. Lagway, whose father was a player at Baylor from 1997 to 2001, will lead a restructured receiving group as the team seeks improvement.
On defense, first-year coordinator Joe Klanderman faces the challenge of revitalizing a unit that struggled last season, ranking among the lowest in the Big 12. The Bears will contend with Auburn's quarterback Byrum Brown, who transferred from the University of South Florida and has impressive statistics, having thrown for nearly 7,700 yards and 61 touchdowns during his tenure with the Bulls.
This game is part of a larger schedule within the Big 12 Conference, with Baylor (0-0) taking on Auburn (0-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET, available on ABC. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for Aranda's future with the program as he attempts to turn around the Bears' recent struggles.
