The Big 12 Conference has officially announced that the highly anticipated rivalry game between Baylor University and the TCU Horned Frogs will take place on October 17, 2026. This matchup will occur during Week 7 of the college football season, adding another chapter to a storied rivalry that has seen its share of thrilling moments.
Baylor will host TCU at its home stadium, a setting that often amplifies the intensity of this fierce competition. The rivalry has produced memorable games over the years, with both teams vying for supremacy in the conference. The historical significance of their matchups has even influenced decisions within the conference, including the introduction of a championship game.
The 2014 clash between Baylor and TCU remains one of the most notable encounters. In that game, Baylor faced a daunting challenge as they trailed by 21 points with just 11 minutes remaining. However, the team mounted a spectacular comeback, eventually winning the match with a 28-yard field goal by kicker Chris Callahan. This victory sent shockwaves through Waco and solidified Baylor’s position as a contender in the Big 12.
Reflecting on that moment, former Baylor coach Art Briles remarked, “I didn’t watch the kick. I saw the holder celebrate and I assumed he was right, and he was.” Quarterback Bryce Petty also had a standout performance, throwing for an impressive 510 yards and six touchdowns.
Despite their success that season, both Baylor and TCU finished with identical records of 11-1 and shared the Big 12 championship title. This split ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping the College Football Playoff landscape that year. While TCU was in contention, it was Ohio State that capitalized on the situation, winning the national championship after a dominant performance in their conference title game.
The rivalry has evolved over the years, especially since 2020, when TCU began to dominate the matchups. Baylor’s only victory since then came in November 2024, when they edged TCU by a score of 37-34. Last season, TCU regained bragging rights with a 42-36 win, further extending their lead in the all-time series, which currently stands at 60-54-7 in favor of the Horned Frogs.
As the countdown to October 17 begins, both teams will be preparing for what promises to be another exhilarating chapter in this long-standing rivalry. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the dynamics of the conference play out and what implications this game may have on the broader college football landscape.
