Colorado football’s 2026 schedule was released on Wednesday, setting the stage for the Buffs’ hopeful turnaround season following a disastrous 2025.
Unlike last season, the Buffs will be tested on the road early and have to face the Big 12 Conference’s heavy hitters. While that will be tougher on Colorado, it also means fans can look forward to some exciting matchups throughout the season for Deion Sanders and his squad as they try to prove they belong in the national conversation of contenders.
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Here are four can’t-miss games the Buffaloes will play in 2026.
Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) carries the ball n the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
An opening week showdown with another Power 4 team will always carry intrigue, but this one carries more weight with it. The game against the Yellow Jackets last season was a foreboding warning of the frustrating team we’d come to know for the rest of the season. Georgia Tech will be a talented team that will compete in the ACC next season, and if Colorado can get a road win, something they failed to do in 2025, it’ll be a fantastic tone to set in the opening game.
Week 4 at Baylor (Sept. 26)
Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13) is tackled short of the goal line by Colorado Buffaloes safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (7) in overtime at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Baylor failed to climb to the top of the Big 12 Conference last season, but with the addition of quarterback DJ Lagway from Florida, that hype won’t be going away anytime soon. The Bears open Big 12 play against the Buffaloes and will be their first measuring stick of how much the team has improved in the offseason. The last time Colorado faced a physical freak at quarterback in a hostile environment, they got 50 points hung on them, and it’s their mission in 2026 to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
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The Bears also added former Buffalo Dre’lon Miller in the transfer portal, which should serve as the cherry on top of what is already an exciting matchup.
Week 5 vs. Texas Tech (Oct. 3)
Nov 9, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffalos running back Dallan Hayden (7) rushes against Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Braylon Rigsby (94) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
If Colorado intends to compete for a Big 12 championship, what better way to do so than by beating the defending champions? Texas Tech was a machine last season, throttling most teams on its way to a bye in the College Football Playoff. The Red Raiders are closing in on another elite transfer portal class, featuring Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, which will ensure this game will have massive implications in the conference.
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Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Adrian Wilson (6) pushes Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) out of bounds in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Arizona State has been a thorn in the side of Colorado ever since the two became conference rivals in the Pac-12. The Sun Devils represent one last true road test for the Buffs and will surely be in the conference title picture late in 2026. Additionally, Colorado lost star Omarion Miller to Arizona State in the offseason, adding intrigue to this conference matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Top games on Colorado football’s 2026 schedule
