Baylor Falls Short 25-24 at Kansas Despite Lagway’s Big Day

A Heartbreaking Finish in Lawrence

The Baylor Bears traveled to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, hoping to secure a victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. Instead, they fell just short, losing 25-24 in a contest defined by late scoring swings and critical missed opportunities. The defeat drops Baylor’s record to 4-3, while Kansas improves to 3-4.

Early Exchange and Third-Quarter Shift

Kansas opened the scoring early, taking a 7-0 lead when Isaiah Marshall connected with Carson Bruhn on a 22-yard pass in the first period. Baylor responded quickly, with Dawson Pendergrass punching it in from one yard out to tie the game at 7-7. Neither team managed to put points on the board in the second quarter, leaving the contest knotted at halftime.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third period. Baylor’s defense struck first when Devon Jordan returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 14-7 advantage. Kansas answered with a 40-yard field goal from Martin Connington to cut the deficit to 14-10.

However, Baylor regained control later in the quarter as DJ Lagway threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jayden McGowan, extending their lead to 21-10.

Late Rally Falls Short

Kansas began its comeback attempt in the fourth period. Marshall found Nik McMillan for a 34-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 21-16. Despite a failed two-point conversion, the Bears’ defense held firm as Kansas continued to chip away. Connington added another field goal, this one from 42 yards, making the score 21-19.

Baylor appeared to be closing out the game when Rhett Armstrong kicked a 42-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 24-19. But Kansas refused to go away. Marshall ran for a 15-yard touchdown with seconds remaining to tie the game at 24-24. The Jayhawks attempted a two-point pass conversion to take the lead, but the play failed.

Statistical Standouts

Isaiah Marshall was instrumental in Kansas’s effort, completing 17 of 29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw two interceptions. Dylan Edwards provided significant ground support with 30 carries for 156 yards. Nik McMillan was a key target, hauling in two receptions for 66 yards and the late touchdown.

For Baylor, DJ Lagway filled the stat sheet with 236 passing yards on 20-of-31 passing, along with one touchdown and one interception. He also contributed on the ground with 11 carries for 47 yards. Gavin Freeman led the receiving corps with nine catches for 123 yards. Despite the strong individual performances, particularly from Lagway and Freeman, Baylor could not overcome the late surge by Kansas.

The final score of 25-24 stands as a testament to the tight nature of the game, with Kansas holding on at home in front of 32,000 fans.

Sources

ESPN