USA TODAY Sports has released its preseason FBS power rankings, and the Colorado Buffaloes find themselves at No. 104, a three‑spot climb from their previous position.
While the ascent is modest, the Buffaloes remain among the lowest‑ranked Power Four programs, trailing only a handful of peers such as Stanford, Boston College and Purdue.
What the ranking means for the Big 12
The Big 12 boasts several representatives in the top 25, with Texas Tech leading the conference at No. 12 and BYU close behind at No. 14. Houston, Arizona and Utah also crack the upper tier, underscoring the league’s depth this season.
Colorado’s placement reflects its position near the bottom of the conference, six spots behind Iowa State and two spots behind their upcoming Week 3 opponent, Northwestern.
The opening test against Georgia Tech
A victory over Georgia Tech, currently ranked No. 32, could propel the Buffaloes upward of 25 spots, potentially reshaping their early‑season narrative and boosting recruiting momentum.
The Buffaloes are coming off a 3‑9 record in 2023, a season marked by a revamped coaching staff and a completely new roster. The fresh leadership hopes to translate the offseason work into on‑field progress.
A new storyline for the Buffaloes
Beyond the numbers, the preseason poll sets the stage for a narrative that hinges on how quickly Colorado can convert its offseason upgrades into wins. If the Buffaloes can upset a ranked opponent in their opener, the conversation around their ranking will shift dramatically.
The early‑season schedule also includes matchups that could further test the team’s resilience, but the opening game against Georgia Tech stands as the most immediate opportunity to rewrite their preseason narrative.