During the Big 12 Football Media Days on July 7, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda took the podium to discuss a recurring theme for the program: the need to finish games more effectively than they did a year ago.
A Season of Near Misses
In 2025 the Bears dropped several one‑score contests, including tight losses to Arizona State, Houston and TCU. Two of those defeats saw Baylor either tied or leading deep into the fourth quarter, underscoring how close the margins were.
Aranda repeatedly emphasized the importance of "closing the deal," noting that the team’s preparation is divided into three distinct phases — start, middle and finish — with the final segment dedicated to securing victories in the closing minutes.
Despite the setbacks, the Bears managed two impressive comeback wins. A double‑overtime thriller against SMU and a last‑second field goal victory over Kansas State highlighted the team’s ability to rally when it mattered most.
Looking ahead to 2026, Aranda expressed confidence that the lessons from the previous season will translate into more consistent finishes. The schedule will test that belief, as Baylor travels to face Arizona State and Houston — both opponents from the 2025 close‑loss list — on the road.