Way-too-early record prediction for Colorado football's 2026 season

The Big 12 football schedule has officially dropped, and we now know who, where, and when the Colorado Buffaloes will play their 2026 games. After a disappointing 3–9 campaign in 2025, Deion Sanders and his new staff will look to right some wrongs and take a step forward in 2026.

Below are our way-too-early game-by-game predictions and what fans can expect this season:

Week 1 at Georgia Tech

Prediction: WIN

This is a rematch of last year's Week 1 matchup against Georgia Tech, where Colorado fell by seven on a last-minute Haynes King touchdown run. The Yellow Jackets lost a good amount of talent this offseason but still brought in a top-40 recruiting class and the 27th-ranked transfer portal class, highlighted by additions like Indiana's Alberto Mendoza and Michigan's Justice Haynes. This won't be an easy opener in Atlanta, but I think the Buffs get their revenge and start the season with a win.

Week 2 vs. Weber State

Prediction: WIN

There really isn't much to say here. Colorado should be heavy favorites in their home opener and should make quick work of a Weber State team that went 4–8 in Big Sky play in 2025.

Week 3 at Northwestern

Prediction: LOSS

Northwestern was one of the more pleasant surprises of the 2025 season, finishing 7–6 and playing several Big Ten opponents tight, including Michigan and Illinois. They brought in Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles at quarterback and completely revamped the offensive staff with Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and Jerry Neuheisel as quarterbacks coach. The Wildcats should be pesky defensively and more creative on offense. With this game being in Evanston, I think Northwestern will hand Colorado its first loss of the season.

Week 4 at Baylor

Prediction: WIN

This one has the makings of a must-watch game and could turn into an offensive shootout in Waco. Baylor added former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway this offseason, and under offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, they'll look to unlock the potential that made Lagway such a highly touted recruit. Baylor struggled in 2025, finishing 5–7 and facing significant defensive issues. Lagway can keep this game close, but this is a road matchup Colorado can and should win.

Week 5 vs. Texas Tech

Prediction: LOSS

Texas Tech was phenomenal in 2025, making a CFP appearance before falling to Oregon. Their defense ranked among the best in the country, but inconsistent quarterback play limited their ceiling. This offseason, they addressed that issue by spending big in the portal and landing Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Even with this game in Boulder, the Red Raiders feel like too much for Colorado.

Week 6 vs. Utah

Prediction: WIN

Utah has had Colorado's number for years, but the Utes went through significant changes this offseason, including the departure of longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham. They returned quarterback Devon Dampier, but also lost considerable talent to the transfer portal. Utah still has quality players across the roster, but it's no longer the same program it once was. Playing at home in Boulder, I think Colorado finally steals one from the Utes.

Week 7 at Oklahoma State

Prediction: LOSS

Oklahoma State hit rock bottom in 2025, finishing 1–11 and firing longtime head coach Mike Gundy. They hired North Texas head coach Eric Morris in late November and have gone all-in on the portal, currently holding the No. 6 transfer class in the country with 54 new players. That group includes quarterback Drew Mestemaker, one of the top signal callers in the country. Morris' North Texas offense led the nation in both total offense and scoring last season, and while Colorado can compete, I think the Cowboys are a real problem in 2026.

Week 8 vs. Kansas State

Prediction: WIN

Kansas State endured a rough 2025 but appears to be trending upward. Even with Chris Klieman retiring, the Wildcats return quarterback Avery Johnson and have added more than 25 transfers. Defense was a major issue last season, and with a new head coach and plenty of unproven pieces, this feels like a game Colorado can win at home.

Week 9 at Arizona State

Prediction: LOSS

Arizona State's 2025 season was defined by injuries, including quarterback Sam Leavitt going down late in the year and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson battling injuries throughout. Despite that, Kenny Dillingham guided the Sun Devils to an 8–5 record. In 2026, they add Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley at quarterback and bring in a top-14 portal class. Dillingham is aiming to get ASU back to its 2024 form and push for the CFP again. Colorado hangs around, but Tempe proves to be too harsh.

Week 10 vs. Houston

Prediction: WIN

Houston had a wild 2025, finishing 10–3 under second-year head coach Willie Fritz. The Cougars lost a fair amount of talent to the NFL, graduation and the portal, but they do return quarterback Connor Weigman. Houston should still be solid, but some regression feels likely, and Colorado gets the win at home in Boulder.

Week 11 at Cincinnati

Prediction: WIN

Cincinnati was competitive in 2025 behind Brendan Sorsby, one of the top quarterbacks in the country, but he transferred to Texas Tech this offseason. The Bearcats also lost additional talent to the portal and the NFL. Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV comes in at quarterback, but replacing Sorsby won't be easy. Colorado takes care of business on the road.

Week 12 vs. UCF

Prediction: WIN

UCF went 5–7 in 2025 and struggled with inconsistent quarterback play. They addressed that by adding James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III and former FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins. Whether that's enough to stabilize the offense remains to be seen, but as things stand, Colorado has the better roster and should win this matchup at home.

Final record prediction for the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes: 8–4.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football way-too-early game predictions for 2026