Colorado football enters the 2026 season with significantly lowered expectations after finishing 3-9 last year, yet there are legitimate reasons to believe the Buffaloes could compete near the top of the Big 12 this time around. Head coach Deion Sanders has made substantial changes to both his roster and coaching staff in an attempt to reverse course after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Sanders’ approach to the transfer portal has evolved considerably, prioritizing proven production over raw potential this offseason. The team added 41 new scholarship transfers, with 23 coming from lower-tier Division I programs—16 of whom were starting-caliber players. This strategy mirrors the approach that led Indiana to the national championship last year. Additionally, Sanders assembled what he describes as his best coaching staff ever, including offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, whose Go-Go offense has consistently produced over 33 points per game during his previous tenure.
On the field, quarterback Julian Lewis arrives as a highly touted freshman with an impressive high school resume and a strong arm, according to Marion. The defense underwent a complete overhaul with new coordinators and coaches, including former Notre Dame and Tennessee transfer defensive backs. The offensive line has also been substantially upgraded with players averaging over 300 pounds.
While oddsmakers and experts predict Colorado will finish near the bottom of the Big 12, the dramatic roster improvements and coaching adjustments suggest the team could surprise skeptics when it opens Thursday night against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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