Louisville basketball just added yet another monster out of conference game as the Cardinals are set to face the Baylor Bears on Feb. 14 from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Louisville has now announced 10 of its 13 out-of-conference games, and its schedule appears to be both thrilling and challenging.
The Cardinals are expected to be one of the best programs in the nation next season, with the tenth-best odds to win the 2026 National Title. However, the schedule they are putting together might have the team exhausted by the time March and April arrive.
One thing is certain, and that is the Cardinals' schedule is going to challenge them. If this team can navigate its out-of-conference schedule and these massive, blockbuster games, then Louisville will be on a path to winning its third National Championship.
Related: Louisville basketball's most important game isn't against Arkansas or Tennessee
Louisville basketball scheduling Baylor might be a massive miscalculation
Louisville already has blockbuster matchups with SEC giants lined up as the Cardinals will play Kentucky on Nov. 11, at Arkansas on Dec. 3, and at Tennessee on Dec. 16. They will also travel to Indiana to play the Hoosiers on Dec. 6. Then they renewed two rivalries with Memphis and Cincinnati, as they will play both teams this upcoming season.
The Cardinals' No. 10 out-of-conference matchup is now with the Bears, who are coming off a solid season in which they made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Baylor was ranked as high as No. 8 in the regular season and was able to beat the Syracuse Orange in the first round of March Madness.
Battle with the Bears 👊
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) June 26, 2025
The Cards are set to take on Baylor in a neutral-site game on February 14
Details: https://t.co/vBlyYn7lYQ#GoCards pic.twitter.com/54ONNXU7Vz
The Bears will be a tall task for the Cardinals, especially on the road in Texas. Louisville will have a lot of challenges on the road next season, and while these games are thrilling, no one wants this team gassed by March.
This matchup should favor the Cardinals, and Louisville should be able to leave Texas with a win. However, the Cardinals will be in the midst of ACC play, and a big-time game like this on the road will be a significant challenge.
No one is saying Louisville will lose to Baylor. This team has all the tools and assets to win a National Championship, but adding another blockbuster showdown on the road and in the middle of ACC play could be a tough task for Louisville.
Related: 5-star commit Mikel Brown Jr. just lit the fuse on Louisville–Kentucky rivalry
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.