One Colorado football game that could define the team's 2026 season
The Colorado Buffaloes have a challenging schedule, especially to open the season, which we have documented extensively at Buffaloes Wire. They face plenty of Power 4 teams, many of them on the road, and they might have one of the most challenging nonconference slates in the country.
A tough schedule makes for some make-or-break games or those with an extra sense of anticipation. ESPN predicted each Power Four program’s season-defining game, and one of the Buffs’ should not come as a surprise, with the outlet selecting the September 3 season opener at Georgia Tech.
This selection is all about getting the season off on the right foot for Colorado. The Buffs open with three of four games on the road against Power 4 opponents, and QB Julian Lewis will be playing this one in front of a bunch of friends and family. Getting a momentum-starting win in Atlanta could be huge in propelling Deion Sanders’ team into a successful 2026 season.
Colorado faced off against the Yellow Jackets to open 2025 and had a chance to knock off a talented Georgia Tech team, but could not close the deal. The Buffs have a chance to avenge that loss this season, and as the article notes, the game is a homecoming of sorts for Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis. A win in Atlanta would be a huge boost for a Colorado program that has not had a signature win since 2024, when Shedeur Sanders was leading the team.
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A victory against Georgia Tech would not only position Colorado for a strong season but also likely ensure that the Buffs head into their road game against Northwestern with a 2-0 record following a relatively easy home game against Weber State, an FCS school.
Deion Sanders’ squad needs to, at the very minimum, come away from its nonconference stretch (at Georgia Tech, vs. Weber State and at Northwestern) with a 2-1 record. Anything less would present a very difficult path to six wins and bowl eligibility.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football’s opener a season defining game. per ESPN