Reviving a program
Baylor’s 2025 season ended in disappointment, leaving the program at a crossroads as the coaching staff sought a spark for the future.
Enter DJ Lagway, a former five‑star recruit and 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year who spent two years at Florida before electing to transfer to Waco.
Lagway arrives with a clear agenda: shed excess weight, refine his diet and build tighter bonds with teammates, all aimed at elevating his on‑field production.
The Bears have bolstered the roster with fresh talent, including wide receivers Dre'lon Miller and Gavin Freeman, while defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler, a former national champion, awaits final NCAA clearance to join the lineup.
Coach Aranda notes that the Big 12 remains competitive, but he sees Lagway’s upside as a potential catalyst, especially after the quarterback’s standout performances such as a 456‑yard, three‑touchdown effort against Samford and an upset win over Texas.
If the new chemistry clicks, the Bears could see a swift rebound, turning a turbulent year into a springboard for a more aggressive 2026 campaign.