The Colorado Buffaloes will open the 2026 college football season on Thursday, September 3, when they travel to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The kickoff marks the start of a campaign that will run through week 13, giving the team a full slate of games to build momentum.
Head coach Deion Sanders has reshaped the coaching staff, hiring Brennan Marion, known for inventing the Go‑Go offense, and Chris Marve to lead the defense. Both newcomers have been prominent during fall camp, shaping the team’s identity and preparing players for the challenges ahead.
The roster reflects that change, with a nearly entirely refreshed starting lineup that could see new starters at every defensive position. While the offense retains several returning contributors, the overall unit is poised for a different look under the new schemes.
Key matchups ahead
Colorado’s schedule includes games against Northwestern, Baylor, Texas Tech, Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Arizona State, Houston, Cincinnati and UCF, providing a rigorous test against some of the nation’s top programs. The original Week 0 matchup was removed, allowing fans to enjoy the opening weekend of college football without the Buffaloes on the field.
With a revamped staff, a fresh lineup and a demanding schedule, the Buffaloes enter the season with high expectations. The delayed start gives the team extra preparation time, and fans are eager to see how the new systems will perform when the season finally begins.