Baylor University’s soccer squad will open its 2026 season on Wednesday evening, hosting No. 10‑ranked Arkansas in a preseason exhibition that kicks off at 7 p.m. Central Time.
The Bears bring back a core group that helped them achieve a historic 2025 campaign, featuring 15 returning goal scorers and 20 playmakers. Among them, senior goalkeeper Azul Alvarez returns after posting 12 shutouts and a .820 goals‑against average, while midfielder Callie Conrad, a four‑year veteran and preseason All‑Conference selection, looks to add another decisive strike after netting the game‑winner against Iowa State.
Arkansas arrives with a strong pedigree, sitting at No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and second in the SEC Preseason poll, promising a tough test for Baylor’s revamped defense.
Sophomore Olivia Hess, also named to the preseason All‑Conference Team, continues to build on a breakout year that has already drawn attention from analysts.
Upcoming challenges
Baylor’s schedule is stacked with ranked foes, including No. 6 TCU, No. 13 Colorado, No. 15 Kansas, No. 20 West Virginia and No. 23 Texas Tech, setting the stage for a demanding conference slate.
The next test on the horizon will be a September 3 showdown with No. 16 LSU, followed by a home match against Texas A&M on Sunday, as the Bears aim to translate early momentum into a sustained push for the postseason.