Baylor University is preparing to launch its football season with a game against Auburn at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This matchup is particularly important for seventh-year head coach Dave Aranda, as the Bears have faced three losing seasons out of the last four, following their Big 12 championship win in 2021.
This season, quarterback DJ Lagway, a transfer from Florida, will take over the starting role, following Sawyer Robertson. Lagway, whose father played for Baylor from 1997 to 2001, will lead a restructured receiving group aiming to enhance the team's performance.
On defense, first-year coordinator Joe Klanderman faces the challenge of revitalizing a unit that ranked low in the Big 12 last season. The Bears will contend with Auburn's quarterback Byrum Brown, who previously played at the University of South Florida and has impressive statistics, with almost 7,700 passing yards and 61 touchdowns to his name.
This game is part of a larger schedule in the Big 12 Conference, with Baylor (0-0) taking on Auburn (0-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on ABC. The result of this game could have significant implications for Aranda's future with the team as he seeks to improve the Bears' record after a difficult few years.
Other notable matchups include Oklahoma State visiting Tulsa and Boston College facing Cincinnati, all on the same day.