Baylor announces future 2027 football opponent, finalizes non-conference schedules

The Baylor Bears will be facing a new foe in the 2027 season
Chris Jones-Imagn Images
In this story:

Following Baylor's Week 1 loss to Auburn, the Bears are heading to SMU for another big test. But on Wednesday, future news hit, when Baylor announced a future opponent on the schedule. In 2027, Baylor announced it would host Incarnate Word for the home opener.

The next two year's non-conference schedules are now complete for Baylor.

In 2026, Baylor will head to Auburn, and then host Prairie View A&M and SMU. Then in 2027, the Bears will host Incarnate Word and Oregon, before traveling to Air Force for their final non-conference opponent in 2027.

You can read the full press release below


Baylor football has completed its non-conference schedule for the next two years and will host UIW on Sept. 4 to open the 2027 season. 

The announcement comes as the Bears are in the midst of the nation's toughest non-conference schedule as one of just two teams to face 11 power-4 conference opponents in 2025. Baylor will also turn that trick in 2026, with Auburn and SMU back on the slate. 

Baylor's entire 2025 home schedule has been rated by Kelley Ford as the sixth-best season ticket in college football this year, behind only Iowa State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, South Carolina and Oregon. 

Baylor's three-game, non-conference schedules for the next two years has been completed. In 2026, the Bears will face Auburn away from home (Sept. 5), and will host Prairie View A&M (Sept. 12) and SMU (Sept. 19) at McLane Stadium. 

In 2027, the Bears will host UIW (Sept. 4), Oregon (Sept. 11) and will venture to Air Force on Sept. 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

The Bears have two non-conference games in 2028 lined up, hosting North Texas on Sept. 2, and traveling to face Oregon on Sept. 9. 

In 2029, the Bears will venture to Denton, Texas, to face North Texas on Sept. 1. 

Baylor return to action on Saturday at SMU, with kickoff on The CW slated for 11 a.m. 

Enjoy more Baylor Bears coverage on Baylor Bears On SI -

More News:

Key info to know ahead of Baylor, SMU showdown

X-Factors and key questions for Baylor moving forward

Everything Dave Aranda said on Monday after Auburn loss, previewing SMU

Early loss to Auburn has crushed Baylor's 2025 chances from advanced analytics

Baylor opens as underdogs against SMU

ESPN's advanced analytics doesn't give Baylor much of a chance against SMU

For additional coverage of Baylor University Athletics

Follow us on Facebook: @BaylorBearsOnSI

Follow us on X/Twitter:@BaylorBearsOnSI

Follow us on Instagram: @BaylorBearsOnSI

Subscribe to us on Youtube: @BaylorBearsOnSI


Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent is the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI and also serves as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines on SI. His work has additionally been featured on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.