The Baylor Bears vs Kansas Jayhawks football matchup is one of the Big 12’s most fascinating series. While not always in the national spotlight, this rivalry has a story full of dominance, upsets, and memorable games. Here’s the complete football history, all in one place.
All-Time Series Overview
- Total Games Played: 22
- Baylor Wins: 18
- Kansas Wins: 4
- Series Leader: Baylor Bears 18–4
This series is clearly dominated by Baylor, especially in recent years, and has seen a number of lopsided victories and record-breaking streaks.
Series Breakdown
- Home (Waco, TX): Baylor 11‑0
- Away (Lawrence, KS): Baylor 7‑4
- Big 12 Conference Record: Baylor 9‑0
- Longest Winning Streak: Baylor 14 consecutive wins
Baylor has made McLane Stadium a fortress, never losing to Kansas at home.
Key Highlights
- First Game: 1971 – Kansas 22, Baylor 0
- Largest Victory: 2015 – Baylor 66–7
- Closest Game: 2011 – Baylor 31–30 OT
- Last Game Played: 2024 – Baylor 45–17
- Kansas’ Last Win: 2007 – Kansas 58–10
Baylor’s dominance has grown especially strong over the last decade, making this matchup one-sided in recent years.
Game-by-Game History
| Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Lawrence, KS | Kansas 22‑0 |
| 1988 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 27‑14 |
| 1989 | Waco, TX | Baylor 46‑3 |
| 1998 | Waco, TX | Baylor 31‑24 |
| 1999 | Lawrence, KS | Kansas 45‑10 |
| 2002 | Waco, TX | Baylor 35‑32 |
| 2003 | Lawrence, KS | Kansas 28‑21 |
| 2006 | Waco, TX | Baylor 36‑35 |
| 2007 | Lawrence, KS | Kansas 58‑10 |
| 2010 | Waco, TX | Baylor 55‑7 |
| 2011 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 31‑30 OT |
| 2012 | Waco, TX | Baylor 41‑14 |
| 2013 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 59‑14 |
| 2014 | Waco, TX | Baylor 60‑14 |
| 2015 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 66‑7 |
| 2016 | Waco, TX | Baylor 49‑7 |
| 2017 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 38‑9 |
| 2018 | Waco, TX | Baylor 26‑7 |
| 2019 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 61‑6 |
| 2020 | Waco, TX | Baylor 47‑14 |
| 2021 | Lawrence, KS | Baylor 45‑7 |
| 2022 | Waco, TX | Baylor 35‑23 |
| 2024 | Waco, TX | Baylor 45‑17 |
Key Takeaways
- Baylor Dominance: With 18 wins and a 14-game winning streak, Baylor has clearly been the superior program in this matchup.
- Home Advantage Matters: Baylor has never lost at home, giving McLane Stadium a strong historical edge.
- Kansas Struggles: Kansas hasn’t beaten Baylor since 2007, highlighting the modern era’s lopsided nature.
- High-Scoring Games: Many recent games have seen Baylor score over 40 points, showing offensive firepower.
Why Fans Should Care
Even though this isn’t a “traditional rivalry,” the Baylor-Kansas football series matters for:
- Big 12 standings – wins impact postseason positioning
- Fan pride – long-term streaks add bragging rights
- Historic trends – Baylor’s home dominance and scoring streaks make each matchup exciting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who leads the Baylor Bears vs Kansas Jayhawks football series?
The Baylor Bears lead the series with 18 wins out of 22 games, while Kansas has won 4 times. Baylor has been dominant, especially in recent years.
What is the all-time record between Baylor and Kansas in football?
The all-time record stands at Baylor 18, Kansas 4. Baylor also holds a 14-game winning streak, making them the clear leader in this matchup.
When was the first football game played between Baylor and Kansas?
The first game in the series was played in 1971, where Kansas defeated Baylor 22–0 in Lawrence.
What was the largest victory in the series?
The largest victory came in 2015, when Baylor defeated Kansas 66–7, showcasing their offensive and defensive dominance.
How long has Baylor’s winning streak against Kansas lasted?
Baylor’s current winning streak is 14 games, making it the longest in the series’ history. Kansas hasn’t won a game since 2007.
Where is Baylor undefeated against Kansas?
Baylor is undefeated at home in Waco, with an 11‑0 record against Kansas at McLane Stadium.
Why is this matchup significant?
While not a traditional rivalry, the series impacts Big 12 standings, fan pride, and program momentum. Each game is an opportunity for Baylor to continue dominance or for Kansas to try for an upset.
Final Thoughts
The Baylor Bears vs Kansas Jayhawks football history tells a story of dominance, memorable games, and program growth. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this matchup offers plenty of history and context for every game.
Baylor has proven time and again that in this series, the Bears rule the gridiron.
