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Buffs' 2026 Season: Key Games, QB Hopes, and Bowl Eligibility
1 Jun
Summary
- Colorado targets at least one win against Texas Tech, Utah, or Arizona State.
- A 2-1 start through the opening three games is considered a minimum expectation.
- The final three games against Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF will likely decide bowl eligibility.

The Colorado Buffaloes are preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes of overcoming a difficult past year. Led by coach Deion Sanders, the team has undergone substantial changes, including new coordinators and over 40 player transfers. The season opens with a challenging game against Georgia Tech, followed by matchups against Weber State and Northwestern. Achieving at least a 2-1 record in these initial games is crucial for setting a positive tone.
Navigating the Big 12 schedule presents significant hurdles, with games against Texas Tech, Utah, and Arizona State identified as key opportunities. Securing at least one victory against these opponents is deemed necessary for the Buffaloes to reach the six-win threshold required for bowl eligibility. The team's performance will heavily rely on quarterback Julian Lewis.
The latter part of the 2026 season will be critical, as Colorado faces Houston, travels to Cincinnati, and hosts UCF. These final three games are projected to be decisive in determining whether the Buffaloes can secure a bowl game invitation. A realistic prediction suggests a 6-6 final record, with the potential for the team to improve as the season progresses and mount a late-season surge.