Bill Connelly’s final preseason SP+ rankings have placed the Colorado Buffaloes at 0.7, positioning them at No. 66 nationally, a slight decline from the 0.9 rating and No. 65 spot they held in March.
The SP+ metric blends returning production, recent recruiting activity, and program history to forecast how a team will perform over an entire season, offering a comprehensive snapshot beyond win‑loss records.
Connelly has clarified that the dip is largely driven by other programs making strides during the offseason rather than any shortcoming in Colorado’s own preparation.
What matters most for the Buffaloes is the progress they have made on their own front: a revamped coaching staff, added depth at key positions, and a recruiting class that bolsters their returning production.
The Numbers Behind the Shift
Offensive efficiency sits at 26.1 (No. 66), defensive efficiency at 25 (No. 60), and special teams at -0.5 (No. 116), painting a picture of a team that can compete on both sides of the ball.
When examining returning production, Colorado ranks No. 56 overall, which translates to 55 percent of last season’s contributors and places them 14th in the Big 12, ahead of rivals such as Iowa State and West Virginia.
The trajectory of the 2026 season will hinge on how quickly those improvements translate into wins, a factor that could lift the SP+ rating back into the top tier of the conference.
Fall camp is already underway, and early practice reports suggest the Buffaloes are hitting their stride, setting the stage for a potentially explosive start to the campaign.