'Unique Challenge': Baylor Football Presents Auburn With New Challenges in Week 1

Both coach Alex Golesh of Auburn and coach Dave Aranda of Baylor have been quoted as saying that they respect one another and each other's accomplishments.

“It’s a unique challenge in a lot of ways,” Golesh said on Monday during media availability. “Got a ton of respect for Coach [Dave] Aranda and what he’s done… there’s a lot of new there, a lot to prepare for, a lot of challenges that are presented, simply with as much newness as you’re getting ready for. They’re obviously in the same boat, there’s a ton of newness they’re preparing for, so it should be a really good matchup.”

Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) carries the ball as Auburn Tigers defensive end Amaris Williams (10) defends during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Feeling is Mutual

In Coach Aranda's Monday media availability, he was also asked a few questions about coach Golesh, responding with only respect and admiration for Golesh and his accomplishments.

Golesh coached the USF team last season to having one of the fastest offenses in all of CFB, bringing his philosophy to Auburn in his first year with the team. Both Golesh and Aranda aim to have quick offenses and the ability to outpace their opponents this season.

Baylor Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13) and running back Bryson Washington (7) before the game against the Auburn — Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13) and running back Bryson Washington (7) warm up before the game against the Auburn Tigers at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Same Teams, Different Players

While Baylor played Auburn last season in Waco, TX, suffice to say that neither of these teams are going to be the same squad as last season. Baylor's defense that allowed Auburn to rush for over 300 yards has been revamped.

Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Kole Wilson (2) runs after against Auburn Tigers during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DJ Lagway, replaces Sawyer Robertson at quarterback, Michael Trigg is gone as the go-to check-down tight end, Bryson Washington is playing for the other team. Along with new receivers from the transfer portal, an offensive line returning only a single starter from last season, this Baylor team is different.

Auburn has also gone through a fair amount of personnel and position changes as well; Bynum Brown now in at quarterback, Alex Golesh now being the head coach after leaving USF, these two teams still have starters from last season, but both are going to be a new look for one another.

Old Frames, New Glasses

Your eyes won't be deceiving you, Bryson Washington may have spent last season playing with the Bears, but this season he's going to be on the other side of the field as an opponent.

It's "just another game" to Washington, respectfully answered when asked recently. Washington, along with Caden Knighten and Michael Turner, were the Bears' rushing attack last season due to Dawson Pendergrass' preseason foot injury that would see him miss the entire season.

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