Performance of early backcross generation opaque‐2 and normal three‐way maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids was compared at two locations. The opaque‐2 hybrids were lower in grain yield and weight per 100 kernels but higher in grain moisture, cracked kernels, and total oil content. Differences for whole kernel lysine values were found for the comparisons opaque‐2 vs. normal between locations and among opaque‐2 hybrids.