The Definition of Insanity on the Brazos

 

The news leaking out of Waco this morning is not just surprising; it is an affront to a fanbase that has been pushed to the brink of apathy. Reports indicate that Baylor Athletic Director Mack Rhoades intends to retain Dave Aranda for the 2026 season.

If you listen closely, you won't hear the roar of anger from McLane Stadium. You won't hear the gnashing of teeth. You will hear silence. And that is far, far worse.

In this business, anger is a sign of life. Anger means the fans still care enough to demand better. But after another season of flat performances, questionable clock management, and a defense that—ironically, for a defensive guru—looks lost, the Baylor faithful have moved past anger. They have arrived at indifference.

Keeping Dave Aranda now feels like a surrender. It signals that the administration is content with being the "nice guy" of the Big 12—the program that everyone likes but nobody fears. Aranda is undeniably a man of high character, a thoughtful philosopher in a sport of brutes. But the Big 12 is a street fight, not a seminar.

We have seen this movie. We watched the reboot. We are now being forced to watch the sequel to the reboot. The "process" has had years to yield results, and the trend line is pointing toward the basement. By retaining Aranda, Baylor isn't just betting on a turnaround; they are betting against the eyes of every person who has watched this team play for the last 24 months.

The paper bags aren't being worn out of hate, Baylor. They are being worn out of embarrassment. And by doubling down on this regime, the administration is ensuring those bags stay on well into 2026.

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