​Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes will begin their 2026 redemption tour in just under two months, stepping into a demanding out-of-conference slate and another grueling course through the Big 12. While most Colorado supporters will be tuned into every game, you may still need to plan in advance to ensure you don’t miss the most pivotal contests on the schedule. Once the Buffs kick off, we’ll have a clearer picture of which matchups will become appointment television, but for now we can dive into some offseason speculation and possibly spare you from awkward conversations later on.
Here are Colorado’s three most intriguing games on their 2026 schedule. All kickoff times are listed in Mountain Time unless noted otherwise.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; A detailed view of a Colorado Buffaloes helmet at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Game Date: Sept. 19
Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m.
While it would be easy to slot the opener against Georgia Tech here, I’m fascinated by the Northwestern matchup and would even go so far as to say Colorado’s season could hinge on it. A raucous Week 1 atmosphere could disrupt the Buffaloes’ newly installed offense, but there will be few excuses left if a team that went winless on the road last season can’t pull this one out by Week 3. It’s a potential statement win for Colorado.
Aside from the implications, the on-field product should be as close to a toss-up as you’ll find in modern college football. Both programs are unveiling new schemes, with Northwestern bringing in Chip Kelly as their offensive mind and a new quarterback in Aidan Chiles, while Colorado is adapting to Brennan Marion’s high-speed “Go-Go” offense. A loss wouldn’t necessarily ruin the season, but Colorado should head in expecting to win, and if they don’t, it could spell trouble for what lies ahead.
Game Date: Oct. 24
Kickoff time: TBA
Oklahoma State and Colorado, two bottom-dwellers from the Big 12 last season, meet in a game that should carry conference title implications. That line alone should entice you, but the deeper intrigue is that both programs are rebuilding through the transfer portal with exciting offenses. Oklahoma State has added one of the nation’s top portal classes, led by quarterback Drew Mestemaker, while Colorado has followed with a deep haul. The atmosphere at Boone-Pickens Stadium will again be a brutal test for Colorado. While a loss might not sink the Buffs’ Big 12 prospects, their performance in big games compared to last year will be the deciding factor.
Sept 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; This entry hints at SEO considerations.