Kansas vs Baylor Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 8 on 10/24/2026

Week 8 of the 2026 College Football season brings an exciting Big 12 matchup as the Baylor Bears travel to face the Kansas Jayhawks. Baylor comes into this game with a 4-2 record and a balanced performance both at home and on the road. Meanwhile, Kansas looks to improve their 2-4 record and break a three-game conference losing streak at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Baylor's recent form includes a strong road victory against Arizona State, winning 55-19. However, they are coming off a tough home loss to TCU, 17-6. The Bears have displayed a dynamic offense, particularly on the ground, which they will look to exploit against a Kansas defense that has struggled to stop the run.

The Kansas Jayhawks, despite a challenging season, have shown promise at home with a 2-1 record. Their standout performance came against Middle Tennessee, where they secured a commanding 55-0 win. As the Jayhawks take the field, they'll rely on their home-field advantage and hope to capitalize on any opportunities presented by Baylor's defense.

Kansas vs Baylor At a Glance (Week 8)

• Game Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM
• Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS
• TV Channel: TNT
• Baylor Record: 4-2 overall, 2-1 in Big 12
• Kansas Record: 2-4 overall, 0-3 in Big 12
• Odds: Baylor -133, Kansas +111

Inside the Kansas Jayhawks: A Deep Dive into Their Upcoming Game

Current Season Overview

The Kansas Jayhawks have a challenging 2026 season with a current record of 1-4. Their offense has put up 192 points, ranking them 47th nationally. Despite the struggles, they have shown promise in rushing, securing the 38th spot with 1,245 rushing yards.

Defensively, the Jayhawks have conceded 144 points, placing them 82nd in this category. Their pass rush has been effective, racking up 10 sacks, which ranks them 15th. The defense also excels in turnovers, with 5 fumbles recovered, ranking 6th.

Quarterback Play

Isaiah Marshall leads the Kansas offense as their primary quarterback. He has completed 167 passing attempts, yielding 1,294 yards, which ranks him 67th nationally. Marshall has thrown for 9 touchdowns but needs to improve his interception rate, having been picked off 5 times.

Cole Ballard, another option at quarterback, has seen limited action due to a shoulder injury. In his two appearances, he has attempted 7 passes for 96 yards. His availability for the next game remains uncertain.

Ground Game and Receivers

Dylan Edwards anchors the rushing attack, amassing 376 yards and 4 touchdowns over six games. His ability to contribute as a receiver with 155 receiving yards adds versatility to his game.

Nik McMillan stands out in the receiving corps with 23 receptions for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nahzae Cox and Tate Nagy provide additional options, each contributing 2 receiving touchdowns this season.

Injury Concerns

The Jayhawks are grappling with several injuries, most notably on the offensive side. Running back Yasin Willis is out indefinitely with a foot injury, and quarterback Cole Ballard's shoulder issue makes his status questionable.

Tre'von McAlpine is sidelined for the entire season with a knee injury, and several other players are dealing with undisclosed injuries. The absence of these players could impact the team's depth and performance.

Upcoming Game and Venue

The Jayhawks are set to host the Baylor Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game is scheduled for October 24, 2026, with a kickoff time of 1:00 PM. Kansas enters this game as a 2.0-point underdog.

Kansas Top Betting Trends

• O/U - As Favorite: 4-0 in the last 4 games (2025–2026)
• O/U - All Games: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2026)
• SU - As Favorite: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2025–2026)
• O/U - Home Games: 3-0 in the last 3 games (2026)
• O/U - After Loss: 21-9 in the last 30 games (2021–2026)
• O/U - After Win: 5-1 in the last 6 games (2025–2026)
• SU - Home Games: 19-10 in the last 29 games (2022–2026)

Baylor Bears Set for Showdown: What to Expect from the Opponents

Offensive Strategy and Key Players

DJ Lagway leads the Baylor Bears' offense, showcasing his capability as a quarterback with 1116 passing yards and 8 touchdowns over four games. Lagway's performance will be crucial against the Kansas defense. Alongside him, Caden Knighten, with 278 rushing yards, provides a dual threat on the ground.

Gavin Freeman stands out as a key receiver for the Bears, having accumulated 555 receiving yards and scoring twice this season. His contributions will be essential in stretching the field and providing Lagway with reliable targets. Freeman's consistency as a top receiver could be pivotal in the upcoming game.

Defensive Prowess

The Baylor defense has been effective this season, ranked 4th in sacks with 22. This defensive line's ability to pressure the quarterback will be instrumental in their game plan. Additionally, their secondary has been strong, with six interceptions placing them 7th in the nation.

Stopping the run has been a challenge, with their rushing defense ranked 82nd, allowing 926 yards. Improving this aspect will be critical against teams with strong rushing capabilities. Their ability to adapt and strengthen this part of their game could significantly impact their performance.

Special Teams and Key Contributors

On special teams, kicker Rhett Armstrong has been a steady presence, completing 12 field goals. His reliability will be key in tight scoring situations. Armstrong's consistency provides a safety net for the Bears in close contests.

Hawkins Polley, a tight end, has also played a role in the passing game with 107 receiving yards. His involvement adds another dimension to their offensive strategy, offering an additional option for Lagway in the passing attack.

Baylor Bears Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: Last 17 Games (2024–2026) → 13-4 (76.5%)
• O/U - Away Games: Last 22 Games (2022–2026) → 16-6 (72.7%)
• O/U - As Underdog: Last 18 Games (2023–2026) → 12-5-1 (66.7%)
• SU - All Games: Last 5 Games (2026) → 4-1 (80.0%)
• O/U - After Win: Last 25 Games (2022–2026) → 15-9-1 (60.0%)

Kansas vs Baylor Week 8 Prediction: Over 54.5

The Kansas Jayhawks have shown a tendency to participate in high-scoring games, as evidenced by their recent trends. Their last three games have all gone over the total, including a high-scoring loss against Kansas State. With their offense ranking 47th in points for, they have the capability to contribute significantly to the total score.

Baylor's offensive and defensive stats suggest potential for a high-scoring game. They rank 33rd in passing yards, which could exploit Kansas' defense, ranked 82nd in points against. Despite a recent low-scoring loss to TCU, their overall record and offensive stats suggest a bounce-back in scoring potential.

Historically, games between these two teams have frequently exceeded the total. In past head-to-head matchups, the scores have regularly surpassed the mid-50s, and with both offenses ranking in the top 60 in points for, this trend is likely to continue.

Considering Kansas' strong trends for overs after losses and Baylor's offensive strengths, expect both teams to surpass the 54.5 total. A projected scoreline of Baylor 38 - Kansas 31 supports this prediction, indicating a close and high-scoring game.

• Kansas vs Baylor Prediction: Over 54.5
• Kansas vs Baylor Score: Baylor 38 - Kansas 31

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