Baylor University will begin its football season with a crucial matchup against Auburn at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. This game is particularly significant for seventh-year head coach Dave Aranda, as the Bears are coming off their third losing season in four years, following their Big 12 championship win in 2021.
The Bears will be led by new quarterback DJ Lagway, a transfer from Florida, who takes over from Sawyer Robertson. Lagway is expected to utilize a restructured receiving corps that has undergone significant changes in the offseason. Meanwhile, first-year defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is tasked with improving a defense that struggled in the previous season, ranking among the lowest in the Big 12.
Baylor's defense will face a formidable challenge in Auburn's quarterback Byrum Brown, who previously played under coach Alex Golesh at USF. Brown has an impressive track record, having thrown for nearly 7,700 yards and 61 touchdowns, along with nearly 2,300 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns during his four years with the Bulls.
Many of his former USF teammates have also joined him at Auburn, adding to the challenge for Baylor's defense.
