History of Baylor–Houston football rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 5, 2026

The Baylor–Houston football rivalry is a college football series that began in 1950. Although not particularly heated, the series represents a intrastate competition between two Texas universities. While the rivalry has seen periods of dormancy, games between the Bears and Cougars generate interest in the state. The series lacks consistent frequency, diminishing its overall intensity and historical significance compared to more established rivalries. Any specific traditions or trophies associated with the rivalry are less emphasized compared to other college football matchups.

1950: Beginning of Baylor-Houston Football Rivalry

In 1950, the college football rivalry between the Baylor University Bears and the University of Houston Cougars began.

September 11, 1976: Houston's First Southwest Conference Game

On September 11, 1976, Houston won its first game as a member of the Southwest Conference, defeating Baylor 23–5, en route to winning the conference title in their inaugural year in the league.

1976: Start of Annual Matchups and Coaching Rivalry

In 1976, Baylor and Houston began playing each other every year as part of the Southwest Conference. The rivalry became particularly intense between 1976 and 1986 due to the competition between Hall of Fame coaches Grant Teaff of Baylor and Bill Yeoman of Houston.

1986: Peak of Coaching Rivalry

The Baylor and Houston rivalry was especially competitive from 1976 to 1986, driven by the coaching matchup between Grant Teaff (Baylor) and Bill Yeoman (Houston), with Yeoman holding a 6–4–1 advantage.

1995: End of Annual Matchups

In 1995, the annual matchups between Baylor and Houston came to an end after both schools were part of the Southwest Conference.

1996: Big 12 Conference Creation Controversy

In 1996, during the creation of the Big 12 Conference, Houston fans felt Baylor leveraged state political connections to secure their spot in the conference, leading to lingering contention in the rivalry.

November 4, 2023: Houston Defeats Baylor in Overtime

On November 4, 2023, Houston defeated Baylor 25–24 in overtime with a game-winning two-point conversion run by quarterback Donovan Smith, marking their first game since the breakup of the Southwest Conference.

2023: Houston Joins Big 12, Rekindling Rivalry

In 2023, Houston joined Baylor in the Big 12 Conference, marking the resumption of the rivalry after a long hiatus since the breakup of the Southwest Conference.