Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn-Baylor preview with Trent Knoop
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Auburn football's season opener with Baylor is just days away, which means it is time for the return of the weekly "Behind Enemy Lines" segment, where a beat reporter covering the team Auburn plays sits down for a casual conversation about this weekend's action.
Trent Knoop of Baylor Bears on SI joins the feature this week ahead of Auburn's season-opener vs. Baylor on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Tigers downed Baylor last season in Waco, 38-24, behind two strong quarterback performances. Auburn's Jackson Arnold ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns while Baylor's Sawyer Robertson torched the Auburn secondary with 419 passing yards and three touchdowns.
This year, both teams feature a new name behind center. Byrum Brown takes over the Auburn offense after following his head coach, Alex Golesh, from USF to the Plains. DJ Lagway, a former five-star recruit and the top-rated quarterback from the 2024 recruiting cycle, is back home after a ragged time with the Florida Gators. Both players aim to lead their teams to victory, but only one can complete the goal.
What other storylines do Auburn fans need to know before Saturday? Here is this week's edition of Behind Enemy Lines with Trent Knoop of Baylor Bears on SI.
How hot is Dave Aranda's seat?
One of the hot topics surrounding the Baylor Bears in 2026 is the seat temperature of head coach Dave Aranda. Since he took over the program from Matt Rhule in 2020, Aranda is 36-37 at Baylor with one 10-win season and one bowl win. After finishing 5-7 last season, Aranda needs a quick turnaround, starting with Saturday's game vs Auburn. How will the result of Saturday's game dictate his future in Waco?
"It feels very important," Knoop writes. "Baylor won’t keep or fire Dave Aranda based on if the Bears win or lose against the Tigers. However, this game could dictate the rest of the season. Baylor has a gauntlet to end the season, and a loss against Auburn might be the story fans run with when it comes to Aranda’s job security."
Tipping their cap to Bryson Washington
Last season, it was Walker White who faced his former team in Week 1 when Auburn traveled to Baylor. This season, Bryson Washington faces mixed feelings in an Auburn uniform after leading Baylor in rushing in their loss to Auburn last season. Washington was a key player in Baylor's offense, especially during the 2024 season when he rushed for 1,028 yards. How do Baylor fans feel about Washington trading sides for the season opener?
"He was great. He ran for over 1,000 yards two seasons ago, and a few injuries and costly turnovers affected him this past year. But once backup Dawson Pendergrass went down last fall, Baylor asked Washington to do a lot. Washington played his heart out and left everything on the field," Knoop writes.
As far as the fans, I think it’s mixed. They appreciate what he did for Waco, however, anytime a player leaves for another school, there are mixed emotions. Add on top that Baylor has to play him Week 1 of this season — maybe a little more emotions."
DJ Lagway gets a fresh start
DJ Lagway was another Texas high school legend. He signed with Florida as the top quarterback from Texas during the 2024 recruiting cycle, but never really found comfort in the Gators' offense. He returns to his home state and will lead the Baylor offense in the season opener against Auburn. Has Lagway found comfort in a new offensive system?
"By all accounts, he has done quite well coming into Waco," Knoop writes. "He played in more of a spread offense in high school, and DJ Lagway was asked to change the way he played when he went down to Florida. Coming back to Texas, Lagway is in a very QB-friendly system under Jake Spavital. Assuming he has the plays down, the offense is going to feature his big arm and running ability."
A key quarterback battle headlines the season opener
Baylor's DJ Lagway will face Auburn's Byrum Brown on Saturday for the second time in their college careers, and the first time since last season's game in The Swamp between USF and Florida. Brown got the better of Lagway in that matchup, but Lagway appears to be more comfortable and will seek revenge. Which quarterback will emerge victorious on Saturday?
"This is definitely going to be one of the better QB battles on the Week 1 slate," Knoop writes. "I think Lagway is the more talented player — he was a top-five QB in his class for good reason. However, Byrum Brown should have an edge in the contest. He follows Alex Golesh from USF, and Brown had a lot of success under him. I think we are going to see different things from both QBs. Brown is going to pressure Baylor’s defensive line and linebackers, whereas Lagway is going to pressure the Tigers’ secondary."
Chas Nimrod and Da'Shawn Womack have Baylor's attention
Auburn football's depth chart is filled with new names, including former USF wide receiver Chas Nimrod and former Ole Miss EDGE Da'Shawn Womack. Both players have SEC experience and could become household names by the end of the season. What is it about those two that catches Baylor's eye?
"I’m already familiar with Jeremiah Cobb, so we won’t go there, but at WR, Chas Nimrod is an elite talent. A 6-2 playmaker who played at Tennessee before heading to USF. Again, he has familiarity with the offense, and he is someone Baylor will have to look out for," Knoop writes.
On the defensive side of the ball, Da’Shawn Womack is an interesting player. Coming from both LSU and Ole Miss, he is used to elite competition. He is going to pressure Baylor’s new-look offensive line. That’s a battle I’ll be watching."
Baylor beats Auburn IF…
Baylor wants nothing more than to spoil the first game of the Alex Golesh era by defeating the Auburn Tigers. Knoop believes that the difference in winning and losing for Baylor goes through one person.
"Can DJ Lagway make enough plays to out-duel Byrum Brown?" Knoop writes. "Baylor brought Lagway in for a reason, and despite Dave Aranda saying the identity is built inside-out, it’s all about Lagway.
Turnovers were a big issues at Florida, and he can’t commit costly ones. I believe the Tigers are going to score against the Bears, which means, Lagway has to put up points. I really think he will need to throw for 300-plus and at least three touchdowns for Baylor to have a chance."
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn-Baylor preview with Trent Knoop
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos