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Colorado Buffaloes Face Toughest 2026 Schedule in Big 12
Deion Sanders' team will play 11 Power Five opponents in 2026, the most of any Big 12 program.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:15am
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The Colorado Buffaloes, led by head coach Deion Sanders, will face one of the toughest schedules in college football in 2026. Colorado is the only Big 12 team and one of just five programs nationally that will play 11 Power Five opponents that season. The Buffs' non-conference slate includes games against Georgia Tech and Northwestern, while their Big 12 schedule features the defending conference champion Texas Tech Red Raiders and five other teams that qualified for a bowl game last year.
Why it matters
Colorado's challenging 2026 schedule will test Deion Sanders' team right out of the gate as they look to build on their recent success and compete for a Big 12 title. Playing such a difficult slate of opponents could help prepare the Buffs for the rigors of conference play, but it also raises the stakes and puts pressure on the team to perform at a high level from the start of the season.
The details
In addition to their nine-game Big 12 schedule, the Buffaloes will face Georgia Tech and Northwestern in non-conference play, along with an FCS matchup against Weber State. Colorado's Big 12 slate includes games against the defending conference champion Texas Tech Red Raiders as well as five other teams that went to bowl games in 2025. The Buffs will look to avenge their 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech in the 2025 season opener as they take on the Yellow Jackets again to kick off 2026.
- Colorado will open the 2026 season on September 5 against Georgia Tech.
- The Buffs will host Weber State on September 12 before traveling to face Northwestern on September 19.
- Colorado's Big 12 schedule will begin on September 26 with a road game against Baylor.
The players
Deion Sanders
The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who is looking to lead the team to success in the Big 12 Conference.
Brent Key
The head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who defeated Colorado in the 2025 season opener.
David Braun
The head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats, who are also on Colorado's 2026 schedule.
What they’re saying
“They were much more physical than we were. They were much more aggressive at times. You got to give them credit. They coached a heck of a game. Played a heck of a game.”
— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes
What’s next
Colorado will look to use their challenging 2026 schedule as preparation for a run at the Big 12 title, with key matchups against the defending champion Texas Tech Red Raiders and other bowl-eligible teams from the previous season.
The takeaway
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are facing one of the toughest schedules in college football in 2026, with 11 Power Five opponents on the slate. This will be a true test for the program as they look to establish themselves as a contender in the Big 12 Conference.
