Dave Aranda, head coach of the Baylor Bears, has been awarded college football’s most prestigious coaching distinction, capping off a career marked by discipline, humility, and steadfast belief. Aranda’s victory represents a new chapter of brilliance in Waco, Texas, as he rises from being an underdog to the top of the coaching ranks.
The announcement was met with tremendous applause and celebration from both Bears fans and players. For a program that has overcome misfortune, rebuilding, and tough competition, this success belongs not only to Aranda, but to an entire community that has rallied around him.
Aranda’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has redefined what it means to build a team — not just of athletes, but of men — after leading the Bears to a fantastic season marked by trademark wins, innovative play-calling, and an accountability culture. Under his leadership, Baylor did more than just win games; they earned respect, silenced critics, and played with tenacity that echoed their head coach’s quiet intensity.
What makes Aranda’s accomplishment even more impressive is his humble attitude to the game. Aranda is known for his calm attitude and intelligent approach, and he has always valued character development over athletic performance. His emphasis on leadership, service, and brotherhood has helped transform Baylor into one of the most cohesive programs in the country.
“This honor isn’t about me,” Aranda stated during his acceptance speech. “It’s about these young men who embraced a concept of hard labor, selflessness, and faith. It’s about our coaches, staff, and the entire Baylor family, who have supported us every step of the way.”
Throughout the season, Baylor’s defense, which is a hallmark of Aranda’s coaching background, was among the best in the nation. Aside from the facts and standings, the team’s discipline, resilience, and unity won over voters and fans around the country. Whether coming back from painful losses or pulling off crucial victories, the Bears played every snap with heart, mirroring their coach.
Recruits now see Baylor as more than just a football school, but as a place where culture, care, and competition coexist. Aranda has emerged as a model of what college football can be when led with honesty.
The award concludes a transformational era at Baylor, sending a clear message: the Bears are no longer underdogs; they are unmistakable. And at the center of that transition is Dave Aranda, a coach who leads with grace, a game scholar, and, now, a nationally recognized champion.
Congratulations to Coach Dave Aranda, Waco’s pride and the nation’s finest. 🐻🏆.