Preview magazine season is here as we roll into the back half of July, and Big 12 and college football fans begin to set their eyes on the things to come in the year ahead. Along with Phil Steele and Lindy’s, Athlon Sports has made a name for itself as one of the giants in the preview magazine business, cementing itself as a mainstay on grocery store shelves across the nation.
This magazine, in particular, has long had a segment during this part of the season when they ask coaches anonymously about the other schools in their league. It’s here where we’ll take a look at what one Big 12 coach has to say about the Houston Cougars.
Dave Aranda and Baylor
After a disappointing 5-7 season, there’s no doubt Dave Aranda is coaching for his job in 2026. The Bears are far removed from their Sugar Bowl season of 2021. So what are coaches saying about Aranda?
There’s no doubt that this quote stood out above the rest: “I think (coach) Dave Aranda is the real deal. Scheme-wise, he’s phenomenal. But he’s just a little weird. Maybe a little socially awkward. But he knows football.”
It’s an unusually candid assessment.
No one has ever questioned Aranda’s football IQ. His reputation as one of the sport’s brightest defensive minds has followed him throughout his career. The bigger question has always been whether his personality translates to leading an entire program.
Is that ultimately why Aranda may be better suited as an elite coordinator than a head coach? It’s a fair question to ask. His best season at Baylor came with many of Matt Rhule’s players still on the roster, and the Bears haven’t come close to matching that success since.
Whether that’s a coincidence or evidence of a larger issue is something Aranda has a chance to answer in 2026. But this anonymous coach’s assessment is about as direct as you’ll find, and it offers an interesting glimpse into how one of Aranda’s peers views the Baylor head coach.
Big 12 Season Ahead
The countdown to the 2026 Big 12 football season is officially on. The action begins in Week 0 when TCU takes on North Carolina in one of the conference’s marquee non-conference matchups, while Texas Tech enters the year as the defending Big 12 champion with a target on its back.
Between now and kickoff, these anonymous coach quotes offer a fascinating look at how programs and coaches are viewed by the people who know them best. Whether those opinions prove accurate or completely miss the mark will be decided over the next few months. Either way, the road to another unpredictable Big 12 season is just getting started.
