This weekend is one of the reasons Baylor continues to be recognized as having one of the best first-year student experiences in the country. U.S. News & World Report released its 2027 rankings on Tuesday, and Baylor remains firmly in the Top 10 in this category. U.S. News voters are university presidents, provosts and admissions deans, and it is so gratifying to see that those leaders understand there is something special at Baylor when it comes to delivering on the promise of the quintessential student experience. You can read more about our rankings below, but in the meantime, here are a few reminders for this weekend.

A tradition at Baylor since 1960, Family Weekend strives to help families of Baylor students become better acquainted with the University and its beloved traditions. Baylor students, faculty and staff have been preparing for months for After Dark – our premier display of student talent – Meet the Faculty, Taste of Waco and the Family Weekend Tailgate.

The first home game of the 2026 Baylor football season is upon us, and I know the Baylor Family will fill the stands at McLane Stadium on Saturday night against defending SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M. It’s 254 Night, and I am looking forward to seeing and hearing you cheer on our team. Besides the game, I can’t wait to watch our freshmen run the Baylor Line for the first time, showcasing the “Best Walk-Out Tradition in College Sports.”

One of the hallmarks of Baylor University as a Research 1 institution is the ability to contribute to transformative research that addresses some of the world’s most significant challenges. That hallmark is amplified by a guiding conviction that “the world needs a Baylor” – a Christian research university dedicated to pursuing knowledge in service of humanity.