​FRISCO, Texas (FOX 44) — Baylor closed its slate at Big 12 Football Media Days with a clear focus on one area: the defense. As the Bears head into the 2026 season with a new quarterback leading the offense, players and coaches stressed that shoring up the defensive side remains the top priority under first-year defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman.
Despite the coaching change, junior linebacker Kyland Reed made it clear that expectations inside the defensive meeting room remain elevated. “Expectations are still high. Coach Aranda, being a defensive-minded coach, is definitely a reason we take it personally 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’s got to step up and come take over the role, and we are ready to do it.”
Baylor’s decision not to reach a bowl game last season gave the program extra time to evaluate transfer portal talent, especially along the defensive line, according to head coach Dave Aranda. “We always want to reach a bowl game and value the chance to be involved in that process, not having that right and still being able to come back for another year. The benefit of that downtime was the work done identifying players across bowl season for everyone else. We’re identifying and grading guys so when the portal opens, we’re not scrambling. We have many of those answers ready for a forward plan, and I feel that the spring and summer helped us land on a lot of players.”
Among Baylor’s offseason additions is senior defensive lineman Jamaal Whyce Jr., who transferred from Marshall after time at South Carolina. Whyce noted that adjusting to Klanderman’s defensive scheme required patience during the spring, but he believes the unit is ready to show real progress this fall. “One thing I’m excited about is the defense. In the spring, he was very hands-on, but he let us take our time. Nothing was rushed. He knew his defense demanded a certain level of understanding, but once you get it, you realize it’s a great defense. I’m just excited to see it all play out on Saturdays.”
The Bears will kick off the 2026 season on Sept. 5 in Atlanta against Auburn, giving Baylor its first real test of the offseason defensive improvements. As the team heads into fall camp, the message from Aranda, Klanderman, and the defensive players is consistent: elevate the defense, build continuity, and prove that Baylor’s defense can be a driving force again this season. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT – FOX 44.