The TCU Horned Frogs (2-3) visit the Baylor Bears (4-1) on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at McLane Stadium, Waco, TX. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game airs on FS1. DraftKings lists the spread at BAY -5.5 with a total of 48.5; moneylines are TCU +170 · Baylor -205. Below is our TCU vs Baylor preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
TCU vs Baylor Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | TCU at Baylor |
| Records | TCU 2-3 · Baylor 4-1 |
| Spread | BAY -5.5 |
| Moneyline | TCU +170 · Baylor -205 |
| Total | 48.5 |
| Venue | McLane Stadium, Waco, TX |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | FS1 |
| Head Coaches | TCU: HC Sonny Dykes, OC A. J. Ricker / Gordon Sammis · Baylor: HC Dave Aranda, OC Jake Spavital |
TCU Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The TCU Horned Frogs are 2-3 overall, 0-2 in Big 12 play. Results to date: Aug 29 — L 15-10 vs North Carolina (neutral site); Sep 12 — W 63-7 vs Grambling; Sep 19 — W 31-7 vs Arkansas State; Sep 26 — L 21-13 at UCF; Oct 3 — L 17-10 vs BYU. Most recently, TCU lost to BYU 17-10 at home. Through 5 games, TCU is averaging 25.4 points scored and 13.4 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Sonny Dykes (head coach since 2022). Offensive coordinators: A. J. Ricker / Gordon Sammis. Defensive coordinator: Andy Avalos.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Jaden Craig (QB) — 108/157, 1,400 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT
- Rushing leader: Jeremy Payne (RB) — 87 carries, 432 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: Ed Small (WR) — 28 receptions, 403 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Ansel Din-Mbuh (DT) — 2 sacks
- Tackles leader: Hudson Hooper (LB) — 27 total tackles
Strengths: A defense allowing only 13.4 points per game; Jaden Craig’s passing volume (1,400 yards). Questions: The response to a 17-10 loss to BYU.
Baylor Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Baylor Bears are 4-1 overall, 2-0 in Big 12 play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 17-16 at Auburn (neutral site); Sep 12 — W 44-3 vs Prairie View A&M; Sep 19 — W 36-19 vs Louisiana Tech; Sep 26 — W 23-13 vs Colorado; Oct 3 — W 55-19 at Arizona State. Most recently, Baylor beat Arizona State 55-19 on the road. Through 5 games, Baylor is averaging 34.8 points scored and 14.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Dave Aranda (head coach since 2020). Offensive coordinator: Jake Spavital. Defensive coordinator: Joe Klanderman.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: DJ Lagway (QB) — 71/133, 860 yards, 8 TD, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: Dawson Pendergrass (RB) — 81 carries, 316 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Gavin Freeman (WR) — 42 receptions, 479 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Daniel Cobbs (S) — 3 sacks
- Tackles leader: Travion Barnes (LB) — 33 total tackles
Strengths: An offense averaging 34.8 points per game; a defense allowing only 14.2 points per game. Questions: Holding serve at McLane Stadium against TCU.
How to Watch TCU vs Baylor
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: McLane Stadium, Waco, TX
- TV / Streaming: FS1
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.