The Baylor Bears are gearing up for the 2026 season after a disappointing 5-7 record in 2025. With the departure of several experienced players, head coach Dave Aranda will depend heavily on a select group of athletes to help turn the program around.
This past season, the Bears lost many of their offensive skill players, along with some vital contributors on defense. However, the 2026 squad will feature a talented core that will be crucial for success on both sides of the ball.
One standout player is Thomas, who led the team with 105 tackles, marking his second consecutive season with over 100 tackles. His performance ranked him third in the Big 12 Conference and 31st nationally. Thomas also recorded one interception and seven tackles for loss, earning him a spot on the Associated Press”s second-team All-Big 12. As the leader of the new defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman“s unit, Thomas will play a pivotal role in the Bears” defensive strategy.
With the team losing its top five receivers, Porter will be expected to emerge as a vital weapon on the outside in 2026. Last season, he caught nine passes for 85 yards and one touchdown, averaging 9.44 yards per reception. His touchdown came during a loss against TCU, and he will need to step up significantly to fill the void left by the departing receivers.
Washington, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2024 with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, saw his production dip to 788 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He averaged 5.12 yards per carry and added one receiving touchdown. To help the Bears diversify their offensive attack, Washington must return to his previous form.
Another key contributor is Redding, who finished third on the team with 53 tackles and also recorded three interceptions. With DJ Coleman entering the transfer portal, Redding will need to step up in a more significant role, especially after gaining experience on special teams during the latter part of the season.
The Bears are also facing the challenge of replacing starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who is moving on to the next level and ranks fourth on Baylor”s all-time passing list. DJ Lagway, a former Florida Gators quarterback, has expressed his intention to transfer after coaching changes at Florida. There is a personal connection, as Lagway”s father played running back for the Bears in the late 1990s. However, Baylor also has talented but inexperienced quarterbacks like Nate Bennett and Walker White, a transfer from Auburn, on the roster. Additionally, the Bears recently signed Texas high school star Quinn Murphy during the early signing period.
With Aranda retained for the 2026 season, this group of players will be central to the Bears” aspirations for a successful campaign as they look to bounce back from a challenging year.
