The Baylor Bears improved to 3-1 and took sole possession of first place in the Big 12 with a 23-13 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes at McLane Stadium on Saturday.
The Baylor Bears defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 23-13 in their Big 12 conference opener at McLane Stadium on September 26, 2026. The victory moved Baylor to 3-1 and into sole possession of first place in the Big 12 standings, while Colorado dropped to 2-2 and remains in ninth place. Quarterback DJ Lagway’s return from injury proved decisive, as he orchestrated the offense with two touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter, to secure the win against a Colorado team that struggled to maintain offensive rhythm.
Baylor Bears Performance
Baylor relied on a balanced attack led by the returning DJ Lagway, who completed 19 of 39 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns despite throwing one interception. Lagway’s performance was critical in the second half, where he connected with wide receiver Gavin Freeman for a crucial 3-yard touchdown with 9:02 remaining in the game. This score broke a tie and effectively sealed the outcome, as Baylor’s defense held firm thereafter. Wide receiver Jadon Porter also contributed significantly, catching a 33-yard touchdown pass from Lagway to help extend the Bears’ lead earlier in the contest.
The ground game provided steady support through running back Dawson Pendergrass, who carried the ball 16 times for 85 yards. Special teams kicker Rhett Armstrong was flawless, converting three field goals from distances of 37, 27, and 54 yards, along with all extra points. His reliability kept Baylor in striking distance during low-scoring stretches and added necessary points to the final tally.
On the defensive side, Baylor applied consistent pressure, anchored by defensive lineman Bo Onu, who recorded two sacks. Linebacker Travion Barnes led the defense with nine total tackles, helping to contain Colorado’s passing attempts. The Bears’ ability to generate timely stops after giving up early points allowed them to control the tempo and preserve the lead until the final whistle.
Colorado Buffaloes Performance
Colorado faced an uphill battle without a strong rushing presence, as running back Micah Welch managed only 35 yards on nine carries. Consequently, the Buffaloes leaned heavily on quarterback Isaac Wilson and his primary target, wide receiver Joseph Williams. Wilson completed 12 of 25 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown. Williams was a bright spot for the offense, hauling in 11 receptions for 127 yards and scoring a 17-yard touchdown catch from Wilson. However, Williams accounted for nearly 80% of Colorado’s passing yardage, highlighting the lack of depth in the receiving corps.
Defensively, Colorado showed resilience but ultimately could not stop Baylor’s second-half surge. Linebacker Liona Lefau was a force in the middle, recording nine total tackles, while defensive end Toby Anene managed one sack. Despite these individual efforts, the Buffaloes’ defense struggled to contain Lagway when it mattered most, allowing the Bears to take control in the fourth quarter. The loss leaves Colorado with a challenging road ahead as they look to rebound in the competitive Big 12.
Turning Point
The pivotal moment of the game occurred with 9:02 remaining in the fourth quarter when DJ Lagway threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Freeman. Prior to this play, the game was tightly contested, with both teams trading field goals and scores. Lagway’s connection with Freeman gave Baylor a lead that Colorado could not overcome, as the Buffaloes’ offense failed to respond with a significant drive. This score shifted the momentum entirely to Baylor, whose defense then tightened to prevent any further scoring from Colorado.
What It Means Next
This result solidifies Baylor’s position as a top contender in the Big 12, moving them into first place with a 3-1 record. They will now travel to Tempe, Arizona, to face the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 4, 2026, a test that will require replicating their defensive intensity from the Colorado game. For Colorado, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in establishing a more diverse offensive attack beyond Joseph Williams. The Buffaloes return home to host the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 3, 2026, where they must bounce back to stay relevant in the conference standings.
- DJ Lagway’s two touchdown passes, including the late go-ahead score, were the difference-maker in Baylor’s 23-13 win.
- Joseph Williams led Colorado with 11 receptions for 127 yards, but the Buffaloes lacked sufficient rushing support from Micah Welch.
- Baylor’s defense, led by Bo Onu’s two sacks and Travion Barnes’ nine tackles, contained Colorado’s offense in the critical final minutes.
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