The 2026 Baylor football schedule opens against Auburn in the Aflac Kickoff Game on September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The 2026 Baylor Bears football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with the Bluebonnet Battle against TCU and several ranked tests in November.
McLane Stadium hosts six home dates on the 2026 Baylor football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-to-late November with a road trip to ranked BYU and a home date against ranked Texas Tech.
2026 Baylor Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aflac Kickoff Game | ||||
| Saturday | vs Auburn TigersMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 3:30pm ETABC/Disney+ | ||
| Saturday | Prairie View A&M PanthersMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | 8:00pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Saturday | Louisiana Tech BulldogsMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | 4:00pm ETESPNU | ||
| Saturday | Colorado BuffaloesMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arizona State Sun DevilsMountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Bluebonnet Battle | ||||
| Saturday | TCU Horned FrogsMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Kansas JayhawksDavid Booth Kansas Mem. Stadium, Lawrence, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | at UCF KnightsAcrisure Bounce House, Orlando, FL | 7:30pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | Iowa State CyclonesMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 14 BYU CougarsLaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 12 Texas Tech Red RaidersMcLane Stadium, Waco, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 23 Houston CougarsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Baylor Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a high-profile neutral-site game on the 2026 Baylor Bears football schedule. The Aflac Kickoff Game against Auburn in Atlanta, then Prairie View A&M and Louisiana Tech at home, followed by Colorado at home. That early stretch mixes a national TV opener with three home games.
October brings a road trip to Arizona State, the Bluebonnet Battle against TCU at home, a road game at Kansas, and a Friday night trip to UCF on ESPN. The TCU game remains the emotional centerpiece of the middle of the season.
November features Iowa State at home, a road trip to #14 BYU, #12 Texas Tech at home, and a closer at #23 Houston. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at McLane Stadium
Six home dates appear on the 2026 Baylor football schedule:
- September 12 vs. Prairie View A&M
- September 19 vs. Louisiana Tech
- September 26 vs. Colorado
- October 17 vs. TCU (Bluebonnet Battle)
- November 7 vs. Iowa State
- November 21 vs. #12 Texas Tech
The TCU and Texas Tech games will generate the strongest crowds in Waco.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Baylor football schedule.
The September 5 Aflac Kickoff Game against Auburn sets the tone immediately. The October 17 Bluebonnet Battle against TCU is a key rivalry measuring stick. The November 14–21 stretch at #14 BYU and vs #12 Texas Tech will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Bears stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Baylor Bears Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Baylor TV schedule 2026:
- ABC/Disney+ (Sept. 5 vs. Auburn)
- ESPN+ (Sept. 12 vs. Prairie View A&M)
- ESPNU (Sept. 19 vs. Louisiana Tech)
- ESPN (Oct. 30 at UCF)
- ABC (Dec. 4 Big 12 Championship)
Most remaining Big 12 games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Auburn (Aflac Kickoff Game), 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/Disney+
- Oct. 17 — Bluebonnet Battle vs. TCU
- Nov. 14 — At #14 BYU
- Nov. 21 — #12 Texas Tech at home
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Baylor Bears football schedule opens with a national TV game and builds toward ranked tests and the Bluebonnet Battle. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Baylor open the 2026 season?
Baylor opens the 2026 season against Auburn in the Aflac Kickoff Game on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/Disney+ at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
How many home games do the Baylor Bears have in 2026?
The Bears have six home games at McLane Stadium on the 2026 Baylor football schedule: Prairie View A&M, Louisiana Tech, Colorado, TCU, Iowa State, and #12 Texas Tech.
Who do the Baylor Bears play in the Bluebonnet Battle?
On October 17 the Bears host TCU in the Bluebonnet Battle at McLane Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Baylor games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ABC/Disney+, ESPN+, ESPNU, ESPN, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
