Colorado Football Eyes Bounce Back in 2026 Season

The Colorado Buffaloes are determined to recover from a tough 3-9 season, which saw them finish with a disappointing 1-8 record in the Big 12. Under the leadership of Deion Sanders, the team is undergoing significant changes, including the addition of two new coordinators and over 40 transfers. Their season opener against Georgia Tech presents an opportunity to kick off the year with a strong victory.

Much of Colorado's success in the upcoming season hinges on the performance of their star redshirt freshman quarterback, Julian Lewis. If Lewis can perform at a high level, he may lead the Buffaloes back to their previous success, reminiscent of their 9-4 record in 2024.

In terms of expectations for the 2026 season, it’s crucial for Colorado to secure at least one victory against formidable Big 12 rivals Texas Tech, Arizona State, or Utah if they hope to achieve bowl eligibility. The Buffs will start their season with three games: at Georgia Tech, against Weber State, and at Northwestern. Anything less than a 2-1 record through this stretch would be disappointing, particularly a loss to Weber State, an FCS team.

The final three games of the season will also play a pivotal role in determining the Buffaloes’ bowl eligibility. They will face Houston, travel to Cincinnati, and host UCF. While Houston presents a tough challenge, the games against Cincinnati and UCF are more manageable. A solid 2-1 finish in this stretch could put Colorado at six wins, but achieving a clean 3-0 would be an optimistic target.

Overall, a 6-6 record appears to be a reasonable expectation for Colorado's 2026 campaign. Although exceeding six wins would be unexpected, there is potential for the team to improve as the season unfolds, making a strong finish in November a possibility.