Baylor focused on defensive turnaround after Big 12 Media Days
· Yahoo Sports
FRISCO, Texas (FOX 44) — Baylor wrapped up its appearance at Big 12 Football Media Days with much of the conversation centered on one side of the ball: the defense.
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While the Bears enter the 2026 season with a new quarterback leading the offense, players and coaches made it clear that improving the defense remains a top priority under new defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman.
Despite the coaching change, junior linebacker Kyland Reed said the expectations inside the defensive meeting room have not changed.
“Expectations are still high. Coach Aranda being a defensive coach is definitely a reason we take it personal in that room and I just want to show that he knows what he’s talking about. I think everybody in that room has something to play for. Definitely with KT leaving somebody who’s called to step up and come and take over the role and we are ready to do it.”
After missing a bowl game last season, head coach Dave Aranda said the extra time allowed Baylor’s staff to focus on evaluating transfer portal talent, particularly along the defensive line.
“We always want to go to a bowl game and we want the ability to be involved that way, not having that right and then still being able to come back for another year. The benefit of that was all the work done in identifying guys is that all throughout bowl season for everyone else. We’re identifying players, we’re grading them so when the portal opens.We have a lot of those answers all ready for a way ahead of it. And I feel like that’s enabled us, off the spring and summer feel like we hit on a lot of guys.”
One of those additions is senior defensive lineman Jamaal Whyce Jr., who transferred to Baylor from Marshall after his time at South Carolina. Whyce said learning Klanderman’s defensive system required patience during the spring but believes the defense is ready to show its progress this fall.
“One thing I’m excited about is the defense. During the spring, he was real hands on, but he let us take our time. So nothing was really a rush. He knew his defense took a certain type of understanding but once you understand it, you understand like it’s a great defense. So that’s what I’m just excited just to see it all play out on Saturday.”
The Bears will open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 in Atlanta against Auburn, marking Baylor’s first opportunity to put its offseason defensive improvements to the test.
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