Baylor Football Predicted for 2026 Armed Forces Bowl

Baylor Bears expected to face Memphis Tigers in Fort Worth bowl game

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a way-too-early 2026 bowl game prediction, the Baylor Bears football team is projected to play the Memphis Tigers in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. This would be a homecoming game for Baylor, as the Armed Forces Bowl is played in their home state. The Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season in 2025 and return to bowl contention in 2026.

Why it matters

Baylor's 2026 season will be a crucial one for head coach Dave Aranda, who is looking to get the program back on track after a down year in 2025. Making a bowl game, especially one close to home, would be an important step in Aranda's rebuilding efforts and could help generate momentum for the Bears heading into the 2027 season.

The details

Despite losing key contributors like quarterback Sawyer Robertson, running back Bryson Washington, and wide receiver Michael Trigg, Baylor is expected to reload through the transfer portal. The Bears have brought in several high-profile transfers, including five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, wide receivers Dre'lon Miller, Hardley Gilmore, and Gavin Freeman, and offensive line help. New defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman will also look to shore up the Bears' defense and return them to bowl contention.

  • Baylor lost to Air Force 30-15 in the 2022 Armed Forces Bowl.
  • The 2026 Armed Forces Bowl is scheduled to take place in Fort Worth, Texas.

The players

Dave Aranda

The head coach of the Baylor Bears football team, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season in 2025.

DJ Lagway

A highly touted five-star quarterback transfer who will look to lead the Baylor offense in 2026.

Joe Klanderman

The new defensive coordinator for the Baylor Bears, hired to improve the team's defense and take some of the playcalling duties off of head coach Dave Aranda.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Baylor will open the 2026 season against Auburn, where they will face former Bears running back Bryson Washington. The team's performance in that game and throughout the 2026 season will determine if they can make it to the Armed Forces Bowl as predicted.

The takeaway

Baylor's 2026 season will be a crucial one for head coach Dave Aranda, as he looks to get the program back on track after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Bears have reloaded through the transfer portal and are expected to be in bowl contention, with a potential homecoming game in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth serving as extra motivation.