The Auburn Tigers are set to open their 2025-26 football season with a matchup against Baylor on the road in Waco, Texas. Historically, Baylor has never been a true powerhouse football team. In fact, throughout the program's history, they have below a .500 winning percentage. However, they have been somewhat relevant in the past decade due to big wins in the Big 12 Conference and outstanding play from Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
Right now, Baylor football is heading into somewhat of a crossroads. Head coach Dave Aranda is looking to build on his 8-5 season in 2024 with the help of his experienced quarterback, Sawyer Robertson, who became the starter early last season after a heated quarterback battle. After starting out 2-4, the Bears found a way to turn the season around, going on a six-game winning streak. Due to two losing seasons before last, Aranda will need to build on last year's success to prove his worth as the head coach. For the majority of his career, he has led the defensive side of the ball, most notably as the defensive coordinator for the 2019 national championship-winning LSU Tigers. Known for being direct and straightforward, Aranda prides himself on creating a stingy defense.
Baylor's defense improved last season. The Bears finished 81st in points allowed, and many players are returning from injuries. The added depth should help their defense, and the team is expected not only to maintain last season’s performance but also to improve. The keystone of the Bears’ defense is on the inside. All eyes are on veteran linebackers Keeton Thomas and Emar’rion Winston. It will be interesting to see how Thomas, who is on the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year watch list, and Winston hold up against the run this season. The biggest question on defense, and potentially the team’s weakest link, will likely be the secondary. While the Bears finished with 14 interceptions last year, defensive backs will need to win key one-on-one matchups against top athletic receivers. Last year’s losses were largely attributed to a lack of athletic ability on the outside against bigger, stronger teams.
While the defense will look to hold up against opponents, it will be up to the offense and its long list of weapons to win games for the Bears. The disciplined unit, led by Robertson, will rely on Bryson Washington and the run game to set the tone and free up promising, experienced receivers Josh Cameron, Louis Brown IV, and SEC transfer from Alabama Kobe Prentice. The line is experienced and capable of being the best in the trenches among their Big 12 peers. With four of five starters returning, the Bears expect to control most of the defensive linemen they face this season.
Auburn is set to take on Baylor on Friday, Aug. 29, in Waco, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CST and will be televised on FOX.
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Max is a freshman majoring in finance. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
