Colorado Buffaloes Face Doubts from Oddsmakers Ahead of 2026 Season

Coach Prime's squad projected to have lowest win total in the Big 12 Conference

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:03pm

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Despite adding proven production through the transfer portal and coaching changes, Colorado's football team under head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders is facing low expectations from oddsmakers for the 2026 season. The Buffaloes' over/under win total is set at just 4.5, the lowest among all Big 12 Conference teams.

Why it matters

Colorado is looking to build on the progress made in Coach Prime's first three seasons, but the low preseason projections suggest doubts about the team's ability to compete in the rugged Big 12. The Buffs will need to exceed Vegas' modest expectations to prove they can be a factor in the conference race.

The details

The Buffaloes will hand the starting quarterback job to redshirt freshman Julian Lewis, who made two starts last season. Colorado's defense has also undergone an overhaul, with several new faces expected to make an impact. However, oddsmakers don't seem convinced the team's offseason moves will translate to on-field success.

  • Spring practices are underway for Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders as he enters his fourth year with the program.
  • The Buffs' over/under win total is set at 4.5 according to FanDuel Sportsbook, the lowest among all Big 12 teams.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, entering his fourth season with the program.

Julian Lewis

The redshirt freshman quarterback who will take over as Colorado's starting QB in 2026.

Santana Hopper

A front-line defensive player who transferred to Colorado and is expected to bolster the Buffs' defense.

Ezra Christensen

Another defensive transfer who will look to make an impact for Colorado's revamped unit.

Gideon Lampron

One of the leaders of Colorado's strengthened linebacking corps.

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What they’re saying

“Are you taking the over 4.5?”

— Scott Procter (Twitter (@ScottProcter_)

What’s next

The Buffs face a challenging non-conference schedule, including road games at Georgia Tech and Northwestern, before opening Big 12 play at Baylor followed by a clash with Texas Tech. Colorado will need to exceed Vegas' modest expectations to prove they can be a factor in the conference race.

The takeaway

Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes have their work cut out for them in 2026, as oddsmakers are not convinced the team's offseason roster and coaching changes will translate to on-field success. The Buffs will need to prove the doubters wrong and surpass their low projected win total to show they can compete in the competitive Big 12 Conference.