Baylor University announced Thursday that it will stage a home‑and‑home football series with the University of Maryland for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, a deal that swaps a previously slated two‑game arrangement with Oregon.
The agreement sets the stage for a September 18, 2027 showdown in College Park, Maryland, followed by a September 16, 2028 clash in Waco, Texas, restoring a rivalry that last met in 1956.
That 1956 encounter, played in College Park, ended in a 14‑0 victory for Baylor, while a 1955 meeting in Waco saw Maryland edge the Bears 20‑6, leaving the series tied at one win apiece.
The new schedule also locks in Baylor’s 2027 season opener against UIW on September 4, a home game against Air Force on September 11, and a slate of conference matchups that the Big 12 will finalize later this year.
Looking ahead to 2028, the Bears will open at home against North Texas on September 2 before traveling to face a series of opponents that will be determined as the conference calendar solidifies.
A Renewed Rivalry on the Gridiron
The decision to replace Oregon with Maryland reflects both programs’ desire to craft meaningful non‑conference narratives that resonate with fans and broadcasters alike.
For Baylor, the series offers a chance to test its roster against a Maryland team that has shown steady improvement in recent seasons, while Maryland gains a high‑profile opponent from the heart of Texas.
The scheduling move also underscores the growing importance of strategic non‑conference planning in the modern college football landscape, where marquee matchups can influence playoff considerations and television appeal.