Colorado’s football program is undergoing a comprehensive rebuild heading into the 2026 season. New coordinators and coaches have arrived, and the roster has been reshaped by more than 40 transfers, creating a depth that officials say surpasses the talent level of the 2024 squad.
The 2024 team posted a nine‑win campaign anchored by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two‑way star Travis Hunter, who together propelled the Buffaloes to a surprise upset of Utah and secured a spot in the Pac‑12 championship game.
National analysts, however, have painted a starkly different picture for 2026, projecting only three or four victories and labeling the Buffaloes as potential bottom‑feeders in the revamped Big 12.
Opening Challenge
The season opens with a road test at Georgia Tech in Atlanta on September 3, a game that will set the tone for a schedule that includes several marquee matchups.
If the Buffaloes can navigate the tough stretch, a six‑win record appears within reach, which would guarantee a bowl invitation. Potential destinations include the Cactus Bowl or the Independence Bowl, where they could meet a middling Big Ten or Group of Five opponent.
Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has introduced a ‘Go‑Go’ scheme that emphasizes a power running game. The team boasts four capable running backs, each offering a slightly different look, giving Marion flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways.
Colorado has endured a five‑game bowl losing streak dating back to 2004, making any postseason victory a significant milestone. Breaking that drought would not only validate the new system but also restore confidence among fans and recruits.