A Bold Forecast
CBS Sports’ preseason analysis placed the Colorado Buffaloes 15th in the Big 12, a spot that drew attention because the team did not appear on either the overrated or underrated lists the network released. The ranking was derived from the consensus of seven writers, all but one of whom projected the Buffaloes to finish exactly at that position, underscoring a narrow but steady expectation.
The placement also reflects the Buffaloes’ position outside the top 100 of the Football Bowl Subdivision, a statistical reality that has fueled skepticism among pundits. Yet within the program, the narrative is markedly different, as coaches and players have voiced ambitions to exceed the modest forecast and contend for a conference championship.
Inside the Program’s Vision
Players have publicly targeted a win total in the high single digits, with several expressing a desire to achieve seven or eight victories, a benchmark that would place them well above the projected finish and keep postseason aspirations alive.
Coaches have emphasized the importance of building momentum early, stressing that each practice session is an opportunity to close the gap between expectation and performance.
Season Opener in Atlanta
The season’s first test arrives on September 3, when Colorado travels to Atlanta to meet Georgia Tech in the season‑opening matchup. The game not only serves as an early gauge of the team’s progress but also as an opportunity to silence critics who question the program’s depth and experience.
Beyond the win‑loss ledger, the Buffaloes view the campaign as a platform to prove that a team ranked below the top tier of FBS can still compete for a Big 12 title game, a narrative that could reshape perceptions across the conference.